Service Dogs of Virginia

Service Dogs of Virginia Training life-changing service dogs and placing them with those in need at no cost. Building independence, confidence, and lifelong partnerships.

www.servicedogsva.org Service Dogs of Virginia, Inc. raises, trains, and places dogs to assist people with disabilities. Highly trained dogs perform a wealth of tasks that allow greater personal freedom and independence. We place dogs for residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia and we are based in Charlottesville, Virginia.

🐾 From the very beginning, our puppies are learning what it means to be a working dog.Training at Service Dogs of Virgin...
09/04/2026

🐾 From the very beginning, our puppies are learning what it means to be a working dog.

Training at Service Dogs of Virginia starts at just 8 weeks old. Early training focuses on the basics—potty training, crate training, manners and foundational behaviors.

But one of the most important parts of early training is helping puppies experience the world around them. They need to safely encounter new sights, sounds, smells, people and places while they’re still young.

That’s where the puppy stroller comes in! 🐶

Every puppy raiser receives a stroller so puppies can safely get out and explore while they’re still receiving vaccinations. It also allows them to focus on taking in their surroundings without having to worry about leash training.

Even a ride in the stroller is part of their training. 💙🐾

📸 Boomer taking in the sights, courtesy of his puppy raiser, Jennie

🐾💙 A very special shout-out to Brody! 💙🐾Many of you may already know Brody, who first volunteered with us as a high scho...
09/03/2026

🐾💙 A very special shout-out to Brody! 💙🐾

Many of you may already know Brody, who first volunteered with us as a high school student. This summer, he came back from college and generously spent his summer hours volunteering with us—and we are so grateful he did!

Brody worked tirelessly, tackling everything from the fun jobs to the not-so-fun ones around the center. He was always willing to jump in, help wherever he was needed, and of course, give our dogs plenty of attention. 🐶

We’re so sad to see him head back to college, but we’re incredibly excited to see all the great things we know he’ll accomplish in the future. We wish you the very best, Brody! 🎓💙

And judging by our attempt at a group photo… the dogs were definitely trying to get in as much last-minute Brody time as possible. 😂🐾

We’re going to miss you, Brody!

🐾🎶 “How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?” 🎶🐾🌿 Statue Spotlight: FernThis is one dog in the window you’re definitely go...
09/02/2026

🐾🎶 “How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?” 🎶🐾

🌿 Statue Spotlight: Fern

This is one dog in the window you’re definitely going to want to take home! 😉

Created by artist Karen Eide Studios and sponsored by SCARPA Charlottesville, Fern is inspired by eight unforgettable years of woodland walks with Karen’s dog, Ella. As Ella explored the trails, Karen collected botanicals to bring home and transform into art—and those memories now live on in this beautiful Labrador sculpture.

With colorful ferns, leaves, and flowers painted across its sleek black coat, Fern is a joyful celebration of nature, adventure, and the special bond we share with our dogs. 💚

📍 See Fern at SCARPA Charlottesville and take a closer look at all the incredible details!

Then join us at the Art Unleashed Auction on October 24 for your chance to make Fern yours. Every bid helps support the future of Service Dogs of Virginia and our new training facility. 🐾✨

Do you know your working dogs? 🐾Do you know what the terms assistance dog, service dog, therapy dog, facility dog, and e...
09/01/2026

Do you know your working dogs? 🐾

Do you know what the terms assistance dog, service dog, therapy dog, facility dog, and emotional support animal (ESA) actually mean?

While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, each has a distinct role and purpose. Understanding the differences helps us know what to expect from these dogs, how to interact appropriately with working teams, and how to be better advocates.

Swipe through our carousel to learn more about the different types of working dogs and why the distinction matters.

🐾 *National Service Dog Month starts tomorrow!**Throughout September, we’re taking you behind the scenes at Service Dogs...
08/31/2026

🐾 *National Service Dog Month starts tomorrow!**

Throughout September, we’re taking you behind the scenes at Service Dogs of Virginia to show what it really takes to train and place a service dog.

We’ll be sharing training moments, client stories, and plenty of the hard work that happens behind every SDV dog. 🐕💙

We’ll also be sharing information to help you better understand service dogs and support working dog teams in your community. Because knowing what these dogs do—and how to appropriately interact around them—makes a difference.

And tomorrow, we’re starting with the basics:

Do you know the difference between working dogs?

Guide dogs, hearing dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and facility dogs all have different roles—and understanding those differences matters.

Follow along throughout September to learn, share, and celebrate the incredible work of service dogs and their teams! 🐾

🐾🌸 Statue Spotlight: Bloom Where You’re PlantedA beautiful reminder that wherever life takes us, there is always an oppo...
08/30/2026

🐾🌸 Statue Spotlight: Bloom Where You’re Planted

A beautiful reminder that wherever life takes us, there is always an opportunity to grow.

Created by artist Eileen (Kova) Park, Bloom Where You’re Planted celebrates resilience, connection, and the courage to put down roots and flourish wherever life leads.

Sponsored by longtime SDV supporter and board member Serena S. Benenson, this special statue can be found at Oakencroft Farm & Winery, where you can see its inspiring details in person.

Then, join us for the Art Unleashed Auction on October 24 for your chance to bid on this one-of-a-kind work of art while supporting the future of Service Dogs of Virginia. 🐾✨

🎨🐾 Tickets are ON SALE for Art Unleashed Auction!Twenty Labrador statues, hand-painted by local artists, are looking for...
08/28/2026

🎨🐾 Tickets are ON SALE for Art Unleashed Auction!

Twenty Labrador statues, hand-painted by local artists, are looking for new homes—and one could be yours! These one-of-a-kind works of art will be up for bidding on October 24, with proceeds supporting Service Dogs of Virginia’s new building.

Join us in Charlottesville for a night of art, fun, and fundraising! Space is limited, so get your tickets today!

Can’t make it in person? No worries—you can bid online! 💙

Visit our Art Unleashed page and sign up for “Notify Me” to receive an email when online bidding registration opens, approximately two weeks before the event.

🎟️ Get your tickets & learn more: servicedogsva.org/artunleashed

🎉 Happy National Dog Day! 🎉🐾What better way to celebrate than with Bird Dog, one of the stunning statues featured in Art...
08/26/2026

🎉 Happy National Dog Day! 🎉🐾

What better way to celebrate than with Bird Dog, one of the stunning statues featured in Art Unleashed!

Created by SeaJaneStudios and sponsored by longtime SDV supporter George Ohrstrom II, this breathtaking mosaic Labrador is inspired by the colorful pheasants that Labradors traditionally retrieve in the field.

Using glass, mirror, vibrant colors and intricate patterns, Jane has created a one-of-a-kind work of art that truly changes with the light. Photos simply don't do it justice—you have to see this incredible statue in person!

📍 Visit Bird Dog in the lobby of Sentara Health Martha Jefferson Hospital and discover all the incredible details up close.

Then don't miss your chance to make Bird Dog your own at the Art Unleashed Auction on October 24.

SDV Carl and Dodger don't have the Monday blues—they're happy to be back at the training center! 🐾💙After a fun weekend, ...
08/24/2026

SDV Carl and Dodger don't have the Monday blues—they're happy to be back at the training center! 🐾💙

After a fun weekend, these two are ready to get back to work. Every day at the training center is filled with new experiences, confidence-building exercises, and important lessons that help prepare them for their future careers as service dogs.

Judging by those happy faces, we'd say they're excited to see their trainers (and maybe hoping for a few extra treats, too!). 🦴🐶

It’s kinda chic to help a dog on its journey to becoming a service dog. 🐾SDV has plenty of ways to get involved—from hos...
08/22/2026

It’s kinda chic to help a dog on its journey to becoming a service dog. 🐾

SDV has plenty of ways to get involved
—from hosting a dog in training to helping at events and more. Find the volunteer opportunity that’s right for you -use Volunteer link in bio.

Address

673 Berkmar Court
Charlottesville, VA
22901

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm

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