Service dogs have been proven to make a remarkable impact on the lives of veterans suffering from mental health issues such as PTSD and traumatic brain injury. These dogs provide comfort, support, and a sense of security to their veteran partners, enabling them to live their lives to the fullest¹. While the government provides some support for service dogs, it is not enough to meet the demand for this life-saving resource. That's why it's important for individuals to take action and support service dogs for veterans in need².

Here are ways individuals can help veterans in need get a service dog, and how they can support service dogs for veterans:

5. Volunteer with Service Dog Organizations

One way to support service dogs for veterans is to volunteer with organizations that provide them. Volunteer opportunities may include working with dogs in training, fundraising, and administrative tasks.

Volunteering with a service dog organization is a great way to learn more about the program and get involved in the cause³.

4. Advocate for Legislation to Support Service Dogs for Veterans

Advocating for legislation to support service dogs for veterans is another way to help ensure that veterans have access to these life-saving resources.

You can write to your local, state, and federal representatives to urge them to support legislation that provides funding for service dogs for veterans. Additionally, you can educate your community about the importance of service dogs for veterans and encourage others to take action⁴.

3. Spread Awareness about the Benefits of Service Dogs for Veterans

Educating others about the benefits of service dogs for veterans is another way to support the cause. Share stories of how service dogs have helped veterans overcome their struggles with mental health issues and improve their quality of life.

By raising awareness, you can help others understand why service dogs are so important to veterans, and inspire others to get involved⁵.

2. Help a Veteran Get a Service Dog

You can directly help a veteran get a service dog. You can reach out to a veteran you know who is struggling with mental health issues and offer to help them find a service dog. You can also offer to donate to a service dog organization or volunteer with them to help a veteran in need get a service dog.

1. Donate to Organizations that Provide Service Dogs for Veterans

One of the most direct ways to support service dogs for veterans is to donate to organizations that provide them. These organizations rely on donations to train, care for, and match service dogs with veterans. By donating, you are helping to provide a life-saving resource to a veteran in need. GreaterGood is partnering with shelters and the Patriot Paws program to provide the proper tools to help better train the dogs in their care. Training is specialized for each dog which helps the dog meet the particular needs of the veteran that they will be paired with.

These dogs will be helping veterans that have mobility limitations, post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries. The veterans will be helping these rescue pups by providing them with a home full of love! With a simple contribution you can change the lives of veterans and shelter dogs!

Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, advocate, spread awareness, or help a veteran get a service dog, your efforts will be invaluable in helping veterans live their best life.

Take the pledge and advocate for service dogs for our veterans!

More on this issue:

1. Purdue University (2022), "Study finds the most important task for a PTSD service dog for veterans is disrupting anxiety."
2. Jasper Craven, The New York Times (17 July 2019), "Why the V.A. Won’t Pay for Service Dogs to Treat PTSD."
3. VeteranAid.org (22 March 2016), "Dogs and Veterans: 4 Great Organizations Making a Difference."
4. Malinda Larkin, American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) (29 September 2021), "New law provides for service dogs for veterans with PTSD."
5. Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., National Alliance on Mental Illness (10 November 2021), "Veteran Mental Health: Not All Wounds are Visible."