The Healing Power
of PTSD Service Dogs
PTSD service dogs are providing life-saving benefits to military veterans struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Military Sexual Trauma (MST).
The number of veterans with these “invisible” injuries is substantial. And these injuries can often have devastating effects on a veteran’s family, employment, and interpersonal life.
The Need Outpaces Availability
The demand for life-saving PTSD service dogs for Veterans is staggering.
Approximately 20 Veterans commit suicide every day due to the debilitating effects of PTSD. Thankfully, service dogs are providing substantial help for Veterans even when other therapies cannot.
Over 3 Million U.S. Veterans
Currently struggle with PTSD, TBI, or MST
PTSD
Service Dogs
Reduce the symptoms of PTSD in military veterans
Service Dogs
Emotional support, therapy, and companion dogs are not the same as service dogs.
Like service dogs for the blind, deaf, and physically disabled, PTSD service dogs for veterans must be specifically trained to help their handlers perform tasks.
Service dogs are protected by federal law under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
LIFE-SAVING SKILLS
Compression therapy during panic attacks
Recognize and interrupt harmful behaviors
Wake Veteran from nightmares
Create protective barrier in public places
The Benefits
Some of the benefits of PTSD service dogs for veterans include:
- The ability to recognize and cope with symptoms
- Greater self-sufficiency
- Decreased reliance on prescription drugs
- Confidence to return to work or school
- Reduced anxiety
- Lowered cortisol levels
- Reduced hypervigilance
- Strengthened family relationships
- Improved sleep
- Increased self-confidence
- Sense of daily purpose.
The Problem
While the benefits of PTSD service dogs are miraculous and substantial, the ease of getting a service dog is another story.
Less than 1% of veterans and service members in need of a service dog are able to get one.
Obstacles that stand in the way of a veteran getting a PTSD service dog:
Time
Some service dog providers have multi-year waitlists
Cost
High investment required to train and place a service dog.
Awareness
About PTSD and the benefits service dogs provide
Stigma
Associated with mental health issues
We’re on a mission!
K9 Partners for Patriots is devoted to ensuring that as far as we can reach, every veteran with service-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), or military sexual trauma (MST) can obtain the service dogs they need.
NO CHARGE | NO WAITLISTS!
See the many ways you can join our mission and help veterans and rescue dogs find hope and healing on their path to recovery together with this life-saving resource.
