WASHINGTON – Last week, Congressman Steve Stivers (R-OH) and Congressman Tim Walz (D-MN) reintroduced legislation to address Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the veteran community.  The Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act would establish a pilot program for veterans so they may address their PTSD through therapeutic dog training and handling.

“For many veterans that I have met, the opportunity to work with a service dog has made a huge difference in their lives,” Stivers said. “As a nation, we have a moral obligation to give back to those who have put their lives on the line for the safety of this country, and to provide them with meaningful therapies to help them deal with both physical and mental service-related issues.  Training therapy dogs can make an impact for our wounded warriors, and I’m excited to reintroduce this bill.”

The Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act would establish a pilot program at three to five V.A. facilities.  These facilities would connect veterans to local therapeutic dog training organizations, which would be responsible for the dogs’ housing and care.  Once trained, the service dogs would be given to disabled veterans to help them with daily activities.  The bill’s benefit to veterans is two-fold: the partnership with the dogs provides comfort and an outlet for veterans coping with PTSD, and dogs who have successfully completed the program will improve the quality of life for disabled veterans – allowing veterans to help other veterans.

Preliminary research by Kaiser Permanente has shown that veterans who have these service dogs show fewer symptoms of PTSD and depression, have better interpersonal relationships, a lowered risk of substance abuse and better overall mental health.

In the 114th Congress, H.R. 359, the Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act, was passed by the House of Representatives.

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