The VA has announced its plan to start a service dog program for veterans with PTSD.
Five VA medical centers across the country have been chosen to offer the service dog program. The facilities included are the Anchorage VA Medical Center in Alaska, the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in San Antonio, the Charles George Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Asheville, N.C., the Palo Alto VA Medical Center in California; and the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center in Florida.
“There are many effective treatments for PTSD, and we’re looking at service dog training as an adjunct to those options to ensure Veterans have access to resources that may improve their well-being and help them thrive,” VA Secretary Denis McDonough said in the announcement.
Service Dog Program For Veterans With PTSD
Many advocates have put pressure on legislators to finance service dog training for veterans with mental health conditions for a long time.
They hope the program will “raise awareness for this treatment option as a proven method for mitigating debilitating symptoms of PTSD and suicidal ideations,” according to Rory Diamond, CEO of the nonprofit K9s For Warriors.
The service dog program was mandated under the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act, otherwise known as the PAWS Act. The Act was signed into law on August 25, 2021.
Many believe service dogs can help strengthen veterans’ sense of self-worth and help control their emotions as they develop a relationship with their service animals.
A report from Congress gauges the total cost for the VA to include this treatment option will be roughly $30 million, approximately $27,000 per dog. However, participating in the program will come at no cost to veterans.
To be eligible, veterans must be enrolled in the VA healthcare system, diagnosed with PTSD, and recommended by a VA mental healthcare provider or clinician.
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