Welfare of our assistance dogs

As a founding organisation dedicated to enhancing the independence and quality of life for Veterans with mental health difficulties through the provision of specially trained dogs, Veterans With Dogs (VWD) recognises the paramount importance of ensuring exemplary welfare standards for all dogs under our care.

Our Approach to Dog Welfare

Our journey begins with the accredited Standards of Assistance Dogs International, which provides the foundational guidelines for our work. However, we go far beyond these basic standards by integrating our own comprehensive Standards of Practice. These standards encompass not only the training of our dogs but also their ongoing veterinary care, ethical considerations, and mental health enrichment.

We believe that every dog deserves a life filled with purpose, happiness, and fulfillment.

Comprehensive Care and Training

  • Veterinary Care: Our veterinarians and qualified nurses closely monitor the health of our dogs, ensuring they receive regular check-ups and preventative care. We work with external specialists when needed to maintain a comprehensive health profile for each dog.

  • Training and Handling: We employ scientifically based positive reinforcement training methods, which are not only humane but also proven to enhance the learning process and strengthen the bond between dog and handler. Our trainers are skilled in creating tailored training programmes that respect the individual needs and temperament of each dog.

  • Socialisation and Preparation: Our dogs undergo extensive socialisation to prepare them for various environments and situations, ensuring they remain calm and focused in public settings.

  • Ethical Considerations: We adhere to strict ethical guidelines, ensuring that our dogs are treated with dignity and respect throughout their lives. This includes providing a stable and nurturing environment that supports their emotional and psychological well-being.

Continuous Improvement

Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our ongoing internal reviews and refinements of procedures, policies, and working practices. This ensures that we maintain the highest level of care and welfare for our dogs while continuously improving our services to better support our Veterans.

Setting Us Apart

What distinguishes Veterans With Dogs is our holistic approach to dog welfare, combined with our dedication to providing exceptional support for Veterans.

Our Standards of Practice are designed to exceed minimum requirements, ensuring that every dog in our care enjoys a life of purpose and happiness. By prioritising the well-being of both our dogs and Veterans, we create lasting partnerships that transform lives.

 

Through constant internal reviews, we continually drive and improve our standards.

We set high professional benchmarks, constantly refining our procedures, policies, and working practices to uphold the highest level of care and welfare for our dogs and to better serve our Veterans.