More psychiatric assistance dogs providers on board

This means that more veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will now be able to apply for a psychiatric assistance dog.

Increasing the availability of assistance dogs to the veteran community will ensure the growing demand can be met. Since its launch in September 2019, the program has received more than 140 applications. It has received positive feedback from veterans who have already received their dog and are already sharing a special bond. 

Through this program, veterans receive specially trained psychiatric assistance dogs who perform specific tasks to help their owners when they are experiencing symptoms of PTSD, for example night terrors. This helps veterans to reach their clinical recovery goals developed by their mental health professional.

As this program expands, DVA is evaluating the effectiveness of psychiatric assistance dogs in the treatment of PTSD through a partnership with La Trobe University. This will allow us to improve the program to better support veterans’ needs. Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

To be eligible for a psychiatric assistance dog, veterans must have a Gold or White Veteran Card, have a diagnosis of PTSD from a psychiatrist and be currently receiving treatment from their mental health professional for a minimum of three months. 

DVA encourages eligible veterans who are currently managing their PTSD to contact the department and apply for the program, so that they may be able to experience the difference a psychiatric assistance dog can make to their everyday life.

For more information about DVA’s Psychiatric Assistance Dog program, visit the 'Psychiatric assistance dogs' page of the DVA website.