Service Dog for Veterans

Hi ! First, thank you for your service! Service dogs can be incredibly helpful and supportive to those living with symptoms like the ones you mentioned. One of our writers, Amy, wrote an entire article dedicated to how her beloved Bean has helped her navigate everyday life. I'll link it here if you'd like to take a look: https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/service-dogs-information. I don't know any specific groups that connect veterans with service pets but through a quick search, I found this group - America's Vet Dogs (https://www.vetdogs.org/AV/getaservicedog/AV/DogPrograms/getaservicedog.aspx) that looks like they work specifically with veterans. I also found this site, Veterans Initiative that works with Canine Companions (https://canine.org/service-dogs/our-dogs/veterans-initiative/) that also again, connects veterans to trained service dogs. I hope those sites help as a jumping-off point to get you closer to getting your own service pet. If you end up pursuing it, do you mind coming back and sharing your experiences with us? I know there are so many in the community who would also love to have a service pet in their lives and would like to learn more. 🧡 Kayleigh, MultipleSclerosis.net team

Thank you so much for what you have done for our country 💙 I hate that they don’t make things easy for our Veterans when they’re need in of any kind of assistance. But Kayleigh has given you some great resources that I hope you will find helpful. I also wanted to offer another suggestion as many people find a different array of assistive devices useful to them in their everyday life. Here is an article that talks about the many devices that may even be helpful for you- https://multiplesclerosis.net/treatment/devices-software-other-tools. There is even some information on how some devices can be covered through insurance. I truly hope you find the tools you need to help you navigate through your journey. If you need anymore resources please let us know! All the best, Latoya (Team Member)

Latoya, thank you from the bottom of my ❤, this is why this community is the best!! You ate wonderful and just taking the time to reply to me means the world to me!! Thank you!!

Like others have said... thank you for your service! I'm sure a service dog would enhance your life greatly. The physical tasks and companionship they provide are life-changing!
I currently have my second dog from Canine Companions. Clint is a yellow Lab Golden cross who is nearly six years old. Buffy, my retired SD, is a 13 1/2-year-old black Lab. I am fully dependent on a power wheelchair. A sampling of tasks that Clint does for me is picking up dropped items, helping remove my jacket, helping me tie my shoes, flushing the toilet, pushing automatic door buttons, opening/closing doors, drawers, cupboards, and the fridge. The independence he gives me is immeasurable!

Canine Companions provides their dogs free of charge to the recipient and offers lifetime follow-up throughout the dog's working career. They have six training centers throughout the country, so you would work with the one in your region. There is a six-step application process. It is rigorous but very worth it because they get to know you and your needs so that you are partnered with the dog who would be perfect for you. They have an uncanny ability to make perfect matches!
After the application process is completed you are placed on a waiting list. When they feel they have an appropriate dog for you they invite you to a two-week team training. They have a dorm for you to stay in during your team training and provide some meals while you provide others.
For veterans, the dogs have additional skills to help mitigate post-traumatic stress symptoms if those are needed for the recipient.

I hope this info is helpful. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. I have been a service dog user for nearly thirty years.
Wishing you the very best!
Brenda