Since 1998 4 Paws for Ability has provided top-of-the-line service dogs, all uniquely trained to enrich the lives of nearly 2000 children and veterans with disabilities. As our community and organizations have supported our mission, we have been able to continue to set the standard of service dog training, placements, and veterinary care.

This past year 4 Paws was honored to be selected as a research partner for the Wounded Warrior Service Dog Project. This government project provided funding to organizations so they could assess criteria that may be used to place the most effective service dogs for veterans. 

This partnership gave 4 Paws the opportunity to acquire x-ray equipment to support our goal that each and every service dog in training has easy access to top-notch medical care. 

While 4 Paws has always provided top-level care to their dogs, Dr. Ruth Keller, DVM, says an on-campus x-ray machine saves money and saves time. “4 Paws has previously utilized our outside partner vet clinics to assist with needed x-rays for our dogs such as puppy count checks on pregnant dogs or breeder orthopedic evaluations which can cost several hundred dollars per dog. Now multiply that by 500 dogs!” Keller says. “Having a machine on-site provides a pure cost savings as the machine was paid for through the research grant. It also enables us to have more freedom when scheduling x-ray appointments instead of using an outside clinic.”

Before the x-ray machine could get into use, 4 Paws for Ability registered and passed inspections with the Ohio Department of Health, which also included radiation safety training for all 4 Paws staff. The preparation also included a “shielding evaluation” to ensure our facility was ready up to Ohio law when operating equipment in a manner that is safe for everyone involved.

“4 Paws is committed to serving children and veterans living with life-altering disabilities. The new x-ray machine enhances our ability to ensure that 4 Paws dogs continue to receive amazing medical care on their journey to become a service dog,” says 4 Paws for Ability Executive Director, Jennifer Lutes. “This advancement would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of our extraordinary veterinary team. Dr Keller, Veterinary Medical Director, leads the team to even greater heights by expanding the services we are able to provide through our facility.”

“The response time to health concerns for dogs as well as the cost savings of having a vet department on-site are incredible,” Dr. Keller says. “I never could have imagined that an opportunity like this existed when I was in school. I am thankful every day to be a part of the dogs’ journey at 4 Paws.”