Veteran Service Dogs Organization
Veteran Service Dogs, East Highland Road, Howell, MI
(43)
Veteran Service Dogs, East Highland Road, Howell, MI
(43)
100% of the proceeds from our Civilian Training Programs go directly to our Service Dog Training program which we offer to Veterans for free. All of our trainers are well versed in dog behavior and various training methods. Veteran Service Dogs is an accrediting agency.
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43 customer reviews
Deb Bohanon
To be the handler/service dog owner has been a great honor and self-care action that I could not have completed if it wasn't for Veteran Service Dogs organization. I am more mobile because of the assistance from Layla. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Neri Tawfiq
Great Place to get a Service dog, and to learn how to train as well. I really needed a service dog, and they went above and beyond to get me one. Really Cool!!
Reviewed on Google Maps
Becha Haapapuro
I can't express how thankful I am for this program. I have been a veteran with them since November and not only found a place to help me train beyond my capacity, but found a community of volunteers, program specialists, and other disabled vets that have helped me come out of a depression that has lasted years. Everyone involved in the program goes because they care, never because they have to. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Michelle Frederick
VSDO has knowledgeable and friendly staff that teaches disabled veterans on how to train their dogs to become registered service dogs. Classes are 2 hours long to practice what you are taught, ask questions, and have any concerns addressed. They offer so much more than just training, too. There's a camaraderie among the veterans, especially during Game Night and the activites outside of training. More importantly, the dedication, care, and experience of this all volunteer staff is truly amazing! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Michelle Kantz
Great organization with great people. They made me feel comfortable from the start and they knew how to calm me when I felt overwhelmed and frustrated in training sessions. The trainers are all very knowledgeable in dog training and different techniques that work for dogs (such as mine that is super stubborn and wanted to always be in charge). I have had to miss a couple training sessions and they are very understanding; they have not once ever made me feel like I should not have missed. I deeply appreciate the training that Tonka (my dog) and I are receiving.I highly recommend. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Victor Brown
I like the way they treat the dogs
Reviewed on Google Maps
Kristina Reynolds
Getting a service dog has saved my life! I love this group of people. Kirk really shows you care and compassion. The trainers are amazing and go out of the way to make you feel confident. I LOVE the every other game night 😊 More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Jason Roerink
I got my Daytona through them in oct of 21 and she has been such a great help for me everyone there has been nothing but understanding when I do miss class and they have helped many of us in many ways
Reviewed on Google Maps
Keevan Robinson
The VSDO organization have helped me during times when I did not feel like I had anywhere to turn to when I was having an issue. Having certain issues when I first came there, they are extremely supportive and caring. Those that have given me the time to play with some of their dogs for puppy therapy I want to personally say thank you for the time and commitment that you have all taken. Although I do not have a service dog in training I think that the time they have given me to talk and sort out my thoughts have been extremely helpful in dealing with issues when I would have probably run and hid somewhere and not come out of the funk I was in. To those in the VSDO thank you so much. Especially in giving me back something that I thought was lost. Respect and commoradary. Truly you all are incredible and I am highly appreciative of every single one of you. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Ron Hughes
Great organization. Everyone works hard to assist both the veteran and the dog become a team.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Michael Ploof
vsd of michigan is in a word Outstanding. Any vet that is in need of a service dog would be doing themselves a favor contacting them first. They are great at pairing the right dog with the vet that needs a dog. The training that is provided for both the vet and the dog cannot be measured in dollars. It can be life changing for both the vet and the dog. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Rebecca King
VSDO has been a blessing to me. They make you feel comfortable and safe there. Very respectful of everyone’s varying issues. They chose a puppy for me to bond with. My pup is a year old now and very protective of me. I drive about 1 1/2 hrs one way for class each week but they are worth it. The only money I have had come out of my pocket is caring for my pup. They provided the pup they felt would work best for my needs, the training, support when needed and the feeling of family. Thanks to them giving me my pup I can navigate life better. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Yvonne Allen
This has been a life changing experience working with this organization. There is definitely a drastic need for more organizations like this. They’ve been a true blessing and help by allowing me to have the access to a service dog. He is a part of my family and VSDO have made me a part of their family. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Wally Schram
Veterans who did not serve in a Combat zone were extremely fortunate like I was! But to not serve meant that others were at "Risk" and we should do all we can to help them return to Normal. Veteran Service Dogs goes the Extra Mile in helping with quality helpers without a cost but their time! If it is possible, let's give them all the Resources they need, both Local and State funds should be available but also our gifts and time should be on the line! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Kathleen Tudor
This place is awesome! Willing to work with you with issues you may have. They are very knowledgeable. It is like one big family!
Reviewed on Google Maps
Ronin Silva
Nothing but respect for this place. People are easy to work with a simple way to follow the program. They set you up to succeed. I had a previous service dog from San Diego and that organization was strict when it came to selections of dogs. VSDO works with your needs and pairs you up in my case perfectly. How much do I trust this Organization, well my daughter qualified also for a service dog being a disabled veteran herself. Also feel welcomed and inviting even when I’m having a bad day. Thank you VSDO! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Raymond Drew
This is a great place to learn how to be an handler to my service dog. The team are outstanding and caring for me. How I am doing in my own life as well working with my service dog.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Garrett Smith
Veteran service dog is a blessing for veterans who suffers from ailments. They are great people who offer classes that are easy to follow. They break down every command to fit how each vet learns and understands. They are friendly and gets to know every person personally. I appreciate them and all they do, More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Michelle Frederick
VSDO has knowledgeable and friendly staff that teaches disabled veterans on how to train their dogs to become registered service dogs. Classes are 2 hours long to practice what you are taught, ask questions, and have any concerns addressed. They offer so much more than just training, too. There's a camaraderie among the veterans, especially during Game Night and the activites outside of training. More importantly, the dedication, care, and experience of this all volunteer staff is truly amazing! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Stefanie Smith
Veteran service dog is a blessing for veterans who suffers from ailments. They are great people who offer classes that are easy to follow. They break down every command to fit how each vet learns and understands. They are friendly and gets to know every person personally. I appreciate them and all they do, More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Kathleen Dickerson
It is like one big family! They will help you with training your dog as well as any other issues that may come up. One of the most understanding organizations out there!
Reviewed on Facebook
Barbara Ramos
I was searching to have my dog trained when I found VSDO. This organization is amazing. My dog is becoming the best behaved and helpful service dog for me under the guidance of the staff at VSDO. They are all volunteers whom take their time to help others get the assistance they need. They don't get a paycheck, so what do they get out of it? I can only imagine that they get the same gratification as I did when I enlisted. I highly recommend the VSDO to any veteran that needs a service dog. I look forward to continuing our training with them. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Sarah Silva LeClair
I'm very grateful for the VSDO and Titan!
Reviewed on Facebook
Cory Nohovig
Incredible organization doing gods work helping disabled veterans. They also do a ton of community service with therapy dogs helping students and staff at schools , workplaces , court really anywhere they are needed . Cannot think of better qualified people to do tragedy response than a bunch of veterans that have experienced the same More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Rama Dowsett Hound Iomc
An amazing organization that is instrumental in helping Veterans. From the application, to interview process, orientation, all the way through the completion of training. Every person involved in this organization is a rock star. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Maggie Mckeown
A huge Thank You to the team at VSDO. They’ve helped not only my dog who is a 1.5 yr old German Shepard male but helped me realize my behaviors directly affect my dogs behavior. If I didn’t get that knowledge on how to change my human behavior my dog wouldn’t have been able to make the changes he has. He was a mess before we started training, I almost could not keep him, he had extreme fear based aggression. Not knowing how to behave around people and other dogs. With the amazing help from VSDO my dog has made huge progress, I can walk him in my neighborhood without him reacting, barking, pulling and acting crazy, he can be around other dogs without the same reaction. My dog has gained confidence and I have gained confidence also. The short time we’ve attended the program has made such a huge impact I can’t wait for the future sessions, to see the behavior and obedience changes my dog will make with the help of VSDO! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Tom Thomas
You are here because you know that a canine partner will help you. VSDO is a special place, for many reasons, it is ran by veterans who understand. VSDO lets YOU train your dog for the things that YOU need. You are the trainer from the beginning, there is no signup and waiting years for a dog with these folks. So take an hour come to an orientation, meet the team, talk to them, decide if you want to participate or not. I am betting you will want to, look forward to seeing you around their facility! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Rebecca King
VSDO has a very knowledgeable, friendly and respectful group of men and women running the program. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a service dog!
Reviewed on Facebook
Bobbie Burleigh
VSDO has been awesome. The support from everyone has been amazing. Not to mention my pup Stella. The trainers are knowledgeable and patient. Any vet in need of a service dog and support from people who truly understand what you been through and where your at needs to reach out. Our stories may not be the same. But we all know what it is to serve and carry some of the same scars. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Heather Williams
Fantastic place and wonderful people. I don't know where I would be right now without the help and support of everyone there. They worked with me though the whole process and gave me my life back. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Jenn Stafford
Reviewed on Google Maps
QueenMoonbeam
Nice and friendly. But they make you sign your dog over and if you miss an appt. they take your dog and give it away. This is not the best thing for veterns as combat veterans can NOT move some mornings when they wake up. No one wants to sign over their $1200.00+ dog. Let alone the gas to drive there weekly. This is what was told to my veteran. Neither of us recommend this for a veteran service dog training. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Tara O'Neil
This organization has saved me. It has only been less than a week but I have stayed orientation and training and it has made al the difference. There are several volunteers (two female and a male, in case they are not comfortable with me saying who they are) as well as a male trainer who have me feel more than welcome. I struggle with PTSD due to MST. The puppers I have been given the opportunity to work with and hopefully be able to live the rest of either of our lives with is a blessing. She has saved my life in so many ways in the short amount of time I have been given with her. I want to provide the best life I can with her. Kurt, the individual who run VSDO, has given me the time and space I need to be able to cope and collect myself before I am able to talk to him, which is phenomenal on my end and I respect very much. I look forward to the future and becoming apart of the VSDO community11 More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Lori Benson
Reviewed on Google Maps
Hazel Burns
Very helpful and respectful
Reviewed on Google Maps
Rama Dowsett
Great Company
Reviewed on Google Maps
Herbert Knapp
Great place very knowledgeable
Reviewed on Google Maps
Tospol Hutasangkas
A truly positive environment. Great people and service.
Reviewed on Google Maps
DAV125 Howell
Area was being set up. Building looked very nice and should work out. Driveway and parking area gravel and muddy
Reviewed on Google Maps
Ryan Boyer
Very poor decision making in choosing dogs. I have 6 kids and two other dogs and they chose a 94 pound bullmastiff who was food aggressive and not good with other dogs. They didn’t know this because they didn’t know the dog. Then they stuck me with a Great Dane who was scared of everything and she pulled a lot, not very good for someone who walks with a cane. After that I decided to stop with the program and went with someone else and have had nothing but a great experience. I would never go with VSDO nor would I recommend them to anyone. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Robert LoRee III
Great organization helping our heros.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Heather Williams
Wonderful organization with wonderful people.
Reviewed on Facebook
Mary Clark
Working with this organization has given me an opportunity to do what I never thought possible. A service dog was out of reach, even with approval from the VA to have one several years ago. Now I have an amazing dog to train with. Our trainer works with us using our individual learning styles in person, by phone, and the internet. My dog and I are a team. This has been a great experience that I am so grateful for. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
What do you love most about your job?
We love seeing people progress through the program resulting in them having a better and healthier relationship with their dog.
What inspired you to start your own business?
After years of offering this service to our veterans, we decided to offer our services to the community at large as well. By doing this, we are able to help our community and raise funding to continue and expand the free services we provide for our veterans.
For the general public, they can experience the benefits of having a well trained dog, and have pride in knowing that they are also helping to support our veterans through their purchase.
Why should our clients choose you?
Our trainers are well versed in a multitude of training methods. Our trainers are properly accredited and certified. We have an 11,000 sq. ft. facility to provide all of the services necessary to properly and effectively train dogs.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
We can, and do provide remote training services for some basic behavior modification and obedience training. However, it is always recommended to have in-person training to achieve the best results.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
Our facility is sanitized regularly. Due to the size of the facility, we are able to keep safe distancing where required.
Group training classes
Group training classes are focused on basic obedience, dog socialization, and advanced obedience. We offer classes for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC), AKC Community Canine (CGC Advanced), and AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen (CGCU). We roll the later two (CGCA and CGCU) into one class that we call our Public Access component.
Individual Training
For those that need a more individualized approach to their dog training needs, We do offer a 1-on-1 training program. This may be for a dog that needs more in depth obedience training, a dog that has issues with interaction with other dogs, or if the handler is uncomfortable with groups of people in the class.
Emotional Support Animal
After your dog has passed the basic obedience component of the program, they can be further trained for use as an Emotional Support Animal.
Therapy Dog Training
After your dog has passed the basic obedience component and public access component, they can be further trained as a Therapy Dog.
Service Dog Training
After your dog has passed the basic obedience component and public access component, they can be further trained to mitigate disabilities for their handler and be certified as a Service Animal.
