Empowering Lives with Loyal Companions
At Valor Medical Service Dogs, we are dedicated to transforming lives by pairing highly trained service dogs with veterans, disabled children, and those in need. Our mission is to provide these life-changing companions free of charge, ensuring every hero receives the support they deserve. With expert training and unmatched dedication, our dogs are more than just service animals—they are trusted partners in the journey to healing and independence.
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Ways to Support
About Us
Empowering Lives Through Service Dogs
Valor Medical Service Dogs was Co-founded in 2016 by SFC (Ret) Ernie Rivera and Shirley Rivera, after being severely wounded in Iraq, Ernie spent close to a year hospitalized recovering from his wounds after his recovery Ernie lost more of his fellow war veterans to suicide than his multiple combat tours.
Ernie waited over 3 years to get paired with a service dog, and spent 7 more months helping to finish training his service dogs training, His Service dog saved his life, with his new lease on life, Ernie and Shirley spent over 2 years attending training courses and learning the proper way to train medical service dogs. Ernie and Shirley have spent the last 7 years training and pairing over 300 highly trained medical service dogs to Veterans, disabled children, and Kids with Autism.
300
Service Dogs Provided
50
Dogs and veterans saved in Adopt Rescue Heal Program
$2,100,000.00
In Free Service Dogs and Training Provided at no cost to recipents
225
Dogs saved and Rescued through our Adopt Rescue Heal Program
Transformative Service Dog Training Programs
Veterans Service Dogs
Specially trained service dogs tailored to meet the unique needs of veterans, aiding in mobility, PTSD, and daily tasks.
Service Dogs
Highly skilled dogs trained to assist individuals with physical disabilities, enhancing independence by performing specific daily tasks.
Medical Service Dogs:
Expertly trained dogs that provide critical support for individuals with medical conditions, such as diabetes, epilepsy, or severe allergies.
Emotional Support Dogs
Compassionate dogs offering emotional stability and comfort, helping individuals cope with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Therapy Dogs
Gentle, well-trained dogs that provide comfort and companionship in therapeutic settings, enhancing emotional well-being in various populations.
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Ernie Rivera
Co Founder
Shirley Wood Rivera
Co Founder
Amy Unsworth
Director
Jason Grunwald
Vice chair
Client Testimonials
Jim
“Valor Medical Service Dogs gave me more than a companion—they gave me a lifeline. My service dog has brought me peace and stability that I never thought possible. I’m forever grateful to Ernie and his team for their dedication and support.”
Megan
“Our son’s service dog has been a miracle for our family. The bond they share is incredible, and the comfort and security his dog provides is something we could never put a price on. Thank you, Valor, for making this possible.”
Mike R
“I can’t express how much my service dog has changed my life. From helping me with daily tasks to just being there when I need comfort, she’s been a true blessing. Valor Medical Service Dogs made the process easy and personalized. I’m so thankful.”
Barry
“The care and professionalism at Valor are unmatched. They took the time to understand my needs and paired me with a dog that has become an integral part of my life. This experience has been life-changing, and I can’t thank them enough.”
Jim
“Valor Medical Service Dogs gave me more than a companion—they gave me a lifeline. My service dog has brought me peace and stability that I never thought possible. I’m forever grateful to Ernie and his team for their dedication and support.”
Megan
“Our son’s service dog has been a miracle for our family. The bond they share is incredible, and the comfort and security his dog provides is something we could never put a price on. Thank you, Valor, for making this possible.”
Mike R
“I can’t express how much my service dog has changed my life. From helping me with daily tasks to just being there when I need comfort, she’s been a true blessing. Valor Medical Service Dogs made the process easy and personalized. I’m so thankful.”
Barry
“The care and professionalism at Valor are unmatched. They took the time to understand my needs and paired me with a dog that has become an integral part of my life. This experience has been life-changing, and I can’t thank them enough.”
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Frequently Ask and Questions
Who is eligible to receive a service dog from Valor Medical Service Dogs
We provide service dogs to veterans, disabled children, and individuals with special needs, including those with autism. Our goal is to match each dog with someone who will benefit the most from their support.
How much does it cost to receive a service dog?
We provide all our service dogs free of charge. Thanks to our dedicated team and streamlined operations, we can offer these life-changing companions without any cost to the recipient.
How long does the process take to receive a service dog?
The time frame can vary depending on individual needs and dog availability. Typically, the process can take several months, as we ensure each dog is thoroughly trained and perfectly matched to their new companion.
What types of service dogs do you provide?
We specialize in training service dogs for veterans, emotional support dogs, therapy dogs, and medical service dogs. Each dog is trained to meet the specific needs of their future partner.
We provide service dogs to veterans, disabled children, and individuals with special needs, including those with autism. Our goal is to match each dog with someone who will benefit the most from their support.We provide all our service dogs free of charge. Thanks to our dedicated team and streamlined operations, we can offer these life-changing companions without any cost to the recipient.The time frame can vary depending on individual needs and dog availability. Typically, the process can take several months, as we ensure each dog is thoroughly trained and perfectly matched to their new companion.
We specialize in training service dogs for veterans, emotional support dogs, therapy dogs, and medical service dogs. Each dog is trained to meet the specific needs of their future partner.