PawForward Launches First-of-Its-Kind Platform Empowering Veterans to Train Their Own Service Dogs from Shelters
New online platform gives veterans professional-grade tools to find, evaluate, and train shelter dogs — cutting the 2–7 year traditional wait to weeks.
PawForward today announced the public launch of its online training platform, designed specifically to help veterans with disabilities find and train their own service dogs from animal shelters — at a fraction of the time and cost of traditional programs.
PawForward was built by Tom, founder and CEO, after recognizing a critical gap: shelters are full of dogs with the temperament for service work, while veterans wait years for professionally trained animals. PawForward puts proven evaluation and training tools directly in veterans' hands.
The Problem PawForward Solves
Approximately 22 veterans die by suicide every day in the United States. Research consistently shows that service dogs reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression in veterans — yet the average wait for a traditionally trained service dog is two to seven years, and costs can exceed $25,000. Meanwhile, over 3 million dogs enter US shelters every year. A meaningful portion of those dogs have the temperament and drive for service work.
PawForward bridges that gap by putting professional evaluation and training knowledge directly in the hands of veterans — not just credentialed trainers.
What the Platform Offers
PawForward provides a structured curriculum built around three core tracks: temperament evaluation using the standardized Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, disability-specific training protocols (psychiatric, mobility, medical alert, and hearing assistance), and a credentials pathway that generates verifiable documentation of a dog's training completion. The platform also includes a searchable breed guide, a canine evaluation database, and a CGC (Canine Good Citizen) preparation course.
Shelter partner organizations can apply to join the PawForward network, streamlining the connection between rescue dogs and veterans seeking a trained companion.
Availability
PawForward is available now at ThePawForward.com. Core tools including the Volhard Test and breed guide are free to access. Full course enrollment and credentialing are available via subscription.
About PawForward
PawForward is an online education and evaluation platform dedicated to helping veterans find, assess, and train shelter dogs as service animals. PawForward exists to close the gap between the veterans who need service dogs and the shelter dogs waiting for a purpose. The platform provides professional-grade tools — including the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, disability-specific training tracks, and verifiable training credentials — at accessible price points. PawForward's mission is to save lives at both ends of the leash.