A growing number of veterans are finding relief from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) through the support of service dogs, as evidenced by stories from individuals like Joe Moreno, a Navy veteran who struggled for years before receiving a diagnosis and a furry companion. Moreno, who served during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, faced intense anxiety that affected his daily life after leaving the military in 2016. It wasn’t until he reached out to the Veterans Administration that he learned he had PTSD and received help in the form of a service dog named Eagle.
Moreno recalls a particularly troubling incident when he panicked in a mall parking lot, feeling transported back to his time in combat. “I was always looking over my shoulder and on high alert,” he explained. His path to recovery led him to K9s For Warriors, where he met Eagle, a four-year-old retriever mix. “Eagle gave me my life back,” he noted, describing how the dog helps him manage anxiety and feel safe in public spaces.
The impact of service dogs on veterans’ mental health is underscored by data from the Veterans Administration. In fiscal year 2024, approximately 14 percent of male and 24 percent of female veterans were diagnosed with PTSD. Alarmingly, an average of 20 veterans die by suicide each day. Research indicates that service dogs can significantly reduce suicidal thoughts and the need for medication among veterans.
In recent years, nonprofit organizations have emerged to train and pair service dogs with veterans, supported by federal grants. These initiatives often face challenges such as long waitlists and funding issues, as the cost of raising a service dog can reach up to $25,000. Many organizations aim to keep costs low or free for veterans seeking assistance.
The benefits of service dogs extend beyond emotional support. They are trained to assist with various tasks, including mobility support, guiding the blind, and serving medical alerts. Moreno’s experience highlights how service dogs can restore independence and purpose in the lives of veterans. After initial skepticism about whether he deserved a service dog, Moreno felt an immediate connection with Eagle, which helped him realize the potential for healing that traditional medications had failed to provide.
In her recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health, Maggie O’Haire, a psychologist and dean of research at the University of Arizona’s School of Veterinary Medicine, explored the effects of therapy dogs on veterans. The research included 156 veterans across the country and demonstrated that those paired with service dogs experienced a 66% reduction in clinical PTSD diagnoses compared to those on waitlists. O’Haire’s findings suggest that service dogs improve outcomes in anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
O’Haire emphasized the importance of integrating service dogs into comprehensive treatment plans. “The goal is not to replace other tools available to veterans, but to enhance them,” she noted. She is set to initiate a randomized study to further investigate how service dogs can aid veterans in completing clinical therapies offered by the VA.
Another veteran, Eddie Montoya, a former Army staff sergeant and current Rialto councilman, shares a similar story of transformation through his service dog, Sly. After years of battling alcoholism and PTSD following multiple deployments, Montoya found new purpose after being encouraged to obtain a service dog. He joined Working Dogs for Warriors, a program where veterans train their own dogs, fostering a sense of community and support among participants.
Montoya’s journey highlights the profound impact dogs can have on mental health. He describes how Sly has enabled him to engage with the public again, replacing the need for alcohol as a coping mechanism. Inspired by his recovery, Montoya established the Brotherhood Bridge Foundation to support fellow veterans.
As the demand for service dogs continues to grow, the need for legislative support is becoming increasingly clear. Montoya plans to advocate for better funding and resources for veterans seeking service dogs, emphasizing that these animals can provide not only companionship but also a crucial lifeline for those grappling with the effects of trauma.
The compelling stories of veterans like Moreno and Montoya illustrate the powerful role that service dogs play in alleviating the burdens of PTSD. As more research validates their effectiveness, the hope is that increased awareness and support will lead to improved access and funding for these life-changing programs.
