Veterans With Dogs is proud to introduce our Community Dogs Programme, a pioneering initiative that harnesses the power of specially trained dogs to support and uplift communities across the UK. Our community dogs, carefully selected for their exceptional temperament and social skills, work alongside dedicated handlers to create meaningful connections in various therapeutic and public settings. These remarkable canines bring comfort, joy, and support to groups and individuals, making a significant impact in schools, hospitals, care homes, and community events.

At the heart of our programme is a commitment to excellence in training and support. Each community dog undergoes rigorous training to ensure they can adapt to diverse environments and interact positively with people of all ages and backgrounds. Our handlers receive continuous professional development, ensuring they can maximise the therapeutic benefits of canine interactions whilst maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare.

One of our flagship initiatives, the Support Paws programme, focuses on empowering children from military families in UK schools. This innovative scheme addresses the unique challenges faced by these young people, providing emotional support during parental deployments and helping to build resilience. Through structured interactions with our community dogs, children develop stronger coping mechanisms, improve their emotional wellbeing, and experience enhanced engagement in their academic pursuits.

The impact of our Community Dogs Programme extends far beyond individual interactions. By fostering a sense of connection and companionship, we're helping to create more compassionate, supportive communities. Our dogs serve as catalysts for positive change, breaking down social barriers and providing a unique form of support that complements traditional therapeutic approaches.

We invite you to be part of this transformative work. Whether you're interested in hosting a community dog visit, supporting our programmes through donations, or exploring partnership opportunities, your involvement can help us extend the reach and impact of our Community Dogs Programme. Together, we can continue to harness the extraordinary bond between humans and dogs to build stronger, more resilient communities across the UK.

Dogs for Military Children

"Support Paws: Empowering Military Children" is an innovative pilot scheme that aims to integrate Community Dogs into the educational settings of UK schools, specifically targeting the unique needs of children from military families. Recognising the profound impact that the military lifestyle can have on young dependents, this project is designed to provide a nurturing and supportive environment to foster emotional wellbeing and academic resilience. 

The initiative is not merely about the presence of dogs in schools; it is a structured programme that involves the careful selection, training, and integration of Community Dogs to become reliable sources of comfort and support for children who often face the challenges of mobility and parental absence due to military service.

By establishing sustainable support systems within schools, "Support Paws" endeavours to create lasting positive changes in the lives of military children, enhancing their ability to adapt, overcome, and succeed in their educational journeys.