Veteran Canine Programs

Healing Through the Power of Companionship

Veterans living with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), anxiety, depression, or Military Sexual Trauma (MST) often benefit from the healing presence of a trained dog. The Military Animal Project matches rescue and shelter dogs with veterans, providing emotional support and service companions tailored to each veteran’s individual needs—at no cost.

Every program begins with compassion and ends with connection. These two core canine programs show the power of a dog’s loyalty and purpose-driven training.

Emotional Support Dogs

Emotional Support Dogs (ESDs) offer consistent companionship and comfort to veterans living with invisible wounds such as Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), anxiety, depression, and Military Sexual Trauma (MST). These dogs are not trained to perform specific tasks, but their presence alone can reduce stress, ease isolation, and provide emotional stability.

Each dog is thoughtfully selected based on the veteran’s lifestyle and emotional needs. Our team works closely with local shelters and rescue organizations to identify dogs with the right temperament for the role, giving both veteran and animal a second chance at connection and healing.

Emotional Support Dogs do not qualify as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and do not have public access rights. However, they can often live in housing that normally restricts pets and may travel by air with special documentation.

Veteran with Psychiatric Service Dog

Physical / Psychiatric Service Dogs

Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) are specially trained to perform specific, life-improving tasks for veterans facing challenges related to Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), anxiety, depression, or Military Sexual Trauma (MST). These tasks may include waking the veteran from nightmares, interrupting panic attacks, or creating space in crowded areas—allowing for greater independence and safety in daily life.

Each PSD is individually trained to the veteran’s unique medical and psychological needs. Like our Emotional Support Dogs, many PSDs come from shelters or rescues and are transformed through training into life-changing companions.

Because of their specialized training, Psychiatric Service Dogs are recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are granted legal access to public places like stores, restaurants, and airplanes. Learn more about ADA service animal classifications

Ready to Take the First Step?

Start with a short inquiry and tell us a little about yourself. Our team will follow up to learn more about your needs and share information about our programs.

Our Veteran Canine Programs in Action

A look at the remarkable veteran-dog partnerships we’ve helped create.