More than just a loyal pet.
Healing through companionship.
Dogs often sense what we’re feeling — and trained service dogs are uniquely attuned to their veteran handlers. Through physical and emotional support, service dogs help veterans regain confidence, independence, and a sense of stability in everyday life.
At Clear Path for Veterans, our Canine Program pairs veterans with expertly trained service dogs — and invites veterans into the training journey itself, building purpose, routine, and connection along the way.
Watch the documentary
The Canine Program
Veterans share their own stories of welcoming service dogs into their lives — and how that connection helped restore peace, comfort, and resilience.
The Canine Program Video
Service dogs support veterans in navigating daily challenges and building confidence over time.
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Feel Safer
Veterans living with trauma can experience constant hypervigilance. Service dogs provide grounding support, companionship in public spaces, and a calming presence.
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Gain confidence
A service dog can comfort a veteran when they feel overwhelmed. The dog can serve as a battle buddy and help facilitate social interaction.
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Live Healthier
Having a service dog to care for challenges a veteran to take care of themself by getting out into the world and exercising with their dog.
The benchmark of excellence
Our Chittenango, New York campus is accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) — the gold standard within the assistance dog industry.
This accreditation reflects the highest standards in dog training, ethical treatment, client care, and long-term follow-up support.
Applying for a service dog is a guided, supportive experience.
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Apply
We begin by getting to know you through interviews, personal references, and background checks. This helps us understand your needs, lifestyle, and goals.
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Confirm
Ask QuestionsOnce eligibility is confirmed, our team keeps you informed with regular updates as your dog progresses through training.
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Train
Begin the ProcessYou’ll spend three weeks on our campus meeting, training, and bonding with your service-dog match — building trust and confidence together.
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Maintain
After placement, you’ll continue to receive guidance and support from our team to ensure both you and your canine thrive long term.
Help a puppy start off on the right paw.
Our Canine Program relies on dedicated volunteers who play a vital role in raising and preparing future service dogs. Whether you’re fostering at home or supporting training on campus, your involvement helps shape a dog’s journey — and a veteran’s future.
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Become a Canine Guardian
Apply NowDuring their 24-month journey to becoming service dogs, puppies are paired with Canine Guardians who provide a safe, stable home environment and ongoing socialization.
As a Canine Guardian, you will:
- Foster a puppy in training for up to 18 months
- Attend weekly training sessions
- Provide a safe, stable living environment
- Transport your foster dog to and from the training facility at our Chittenango campus
- Incorporate the dog into daily routines, outings, and social experiences
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Be a Puppy Ambassador
Apply NowPuppy Ambassadors work closely with our canine trainers while dogs are living on the Clear Path campus. This role supports critical training, enrichment, and socialization during early development.
As a Puppy Ambassador, you will:
- Complete required training before working with puppies
- Assist with outings, field trips, and socialization opportunities
- Provide transportation to and from the training facility at our Chittenango campus as needed
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Become a Flex Foster
Apply NowAs a Flex Foster, you’ll volunteer your time to support both our Canine Guardians and the Clear Path Canine Team by providing short-term care for service dogs in training. Flex Fosters play an essential role in making sure our dogs receive consistent love and care when their primary guardian is unavailable.
- Care for a service dog in training when a guardian is on vacation or needs assistance
- Provide a safe, enriching home environment for weekends, holidays, or short-term stays
- Support the dog’s routine without taking on training responsibilities
Why Are Some Dogs Career-Changed?
Every dog has a purpose — whether as a service, therapy, detection, or companion animal.
Our Canine Program’s primary objective is to train exceptional service dogs for veterans. Throughout their training progression, dogs undergo extensive temperament, behavioral, and health evaluations. While we strive for every dog to graduate as a service animal, some may not be the right fit for that role.
When that happens, they begin a new path — as beloved companion animals in carefully selected homes.
Career changes may occur due to:
- Behavioral considerations
- Health factors
- Temperament traits better suited for companion life
Regardless of career path, these dogs are well-trained, deeply socialized, and ready to make a meaningful impact in someone’s life.
Adoption Philosophy & Placement Process
Placement is not first-come, first-served.
Our Canine Team carefully reviews applications and matches dogs based on best fit. Veterans and military families receive placement priority; however, our ultimate goal is ensuring each dog finds a safe, loving, and appropriate home.
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Ideal Adoption Criteria
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- An active lifestyle (daily walking, engagement, enrichment)
- A fenced-in yard (preferred)
- No extended periods alone beyond a typical 7.5–8 hour workday
- No intent to use the dog as a service animal
- Financial responsibility for all care
- No more than two existing pets (behavioral screening required)
- Veterinary reference
- Stable income and housing
- Three personal references (non-relatives)
- Agreement to a home visit
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Important Information
These dogs are purebred English Labrador Retrievers acquired and trained at significant cost to the organization.
Adoption fee begins at $3,000.
This fee helps offset care, training, veterinary support, and program sustainability.
