Veterans are increasingly turning to service dogs to combat the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), finding renewed purpose and companionship. Navy veteran Joe Moreno struggled with severe anxiety and disconnection after his military service, particularly following his deployment during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. In a moment of crisis, he panicked in a mall parking lot, prompting him to seek help from the Veterans Administration.
Moreno described his experience post-service as one of constant vigilance. “I was in a civilian world that I didn’t understand,” he recalled, emphasizing how he felt perpetually on high alert. After years of suppressing his anxiety and engaging in extreme sports like Ironmans and mountain climbing, he faced debilitating challenges that led him to quit his job. “I didn’t know how I’d live my next day,” he admitted.
After finally receiving a PTSD diagnosis and the support of a service dog, Eagle, a four-year-old retriever mix, Moreno’s life began to change. “Before Eagle, PTSD had me in survival mode 24/7 just trying to get through another day,” he said. The presence of Eagle has transformed his experience, providing him with a sense of security and purpose. “Eagle senses when my anxiety starts to rise and brings me back to the present,” Moreno explained, highlighting the dog’s ability to interrupt panic attacks and offer emotional support.
The prevalence of PTSD among veterans is significant. According to the Veterans Administration (VA), about 14 out of every 100 male veterans and 24 out of every 100 female veterans were diagnosed with PTSD in fiscal year 2024. Alarmingly, an average of 20 veterans take their own lives each day. Research indicates that service dogs can significantly reduce suicidal ideation and reliance on medication, proving to be a valuable resource for many veterans.
Over recent years, there has been a notable increase in nonprofit organizations dedicated to training service dogs for veterans. One such organization is K9s For Warriors, which pairs rescued dogs with veterans. Moreno found Eagle through this program after a frustrating journey with medication that only numbed his experiences. “I decided there must be another solution,” he explained, leading him to the Florida-based nonprofit.
Eagle was rescued after being surrendered at nine months old and underwent eight months of training before meeting Moreno. Their initial bond was emotional, providing Moreno with a connection that medication could not replicate. “It was like I finally found what I was looking for,” he said, reflecting on the profound impact of their relationship.
The mission of K9s For Warriors is to empower veterans to regain their independence. This sentiment is echoed by Maggie O’Haire, a psychologist at the University of Arizona, who is conducting a study on the role of therapy dogs. Her research aims to quantify the benefits of service dogs for veterans with PTSD, utilizing a large-scale clinical trial. “We could see the difference between three months with a service dog versus three months without,” O’Haire stated, noting that veterans with service dogs had significantly lower odds of a clinical PTSD diagnosis.
O’Haire’s study involved 156 veterans, half of whom received service dogs. The results showed improved outcomes across various measures, including anxiety and depression. “Our goal was to translate these lived experiences into actionable data,” she added, emphasizing the need for evidence-based approaches in policymaking.
Another veteran, Eddie Montoya, a former Army staff sergeant, shared his journey of recovery with his service dog, Sly. Montoya, who struggled with alcoholism and PTSD after multiple deployments, began training Sly through Working Dogs for Warriors in California. He believes that Sly has been instrumental in his recovery, helping him regain confidence and re-engage with the community.
Montoya’s experience mirrors that of many veterans who find comfort in the companionship of service dogs. He has even started his own nonprofit, the Brotherhood Bridge Foundation, to support fellow veterans. “Now I was able to speak to people the way I’m supposed to,” he said, reflecting on his transformation with Sly by his side.
The growing recognition of the positive effects of service dogs has led to increased demand for training programs. Many organizations report long waitlists as they strive to meet the needs of veterans. The financial challenges of training service dogs, which can cost up to $25,000, remain a significant hurdle, highlighting the importance of continued support and funding for these initiatives.
As veterans like Moreno and Montoya advocate for the benefits of service dogs, the impact of these companions on mental health and quality of life is becoming increasingly clear. The partnership between veterans and service dogs not only fosters healing but also provides a sense of community and purpose, essential elements for those navigating the challenges of PTSD.
