90%+
Veterans reported improvements in PTSD, depression, and anxiety 12 months after pairing with an assistance dog.
Research
Our partnerships are backed by evidence‑based research
Our team includes experts in psychology and dog behaviour to ensure our assistance dogs provide maximum support for veterans with mental health conditions, while upholding the highest standards of welfare and care.
The Impact of Assistance Dogs on Mental Health
Our research demonstrates that assistance dogs can profoundly improve the lives of veterans with PTSD and other mental health challenges. Key findings include:
Lower Symptoms
Significantly reduced PTSD severity, anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
The Science Behind the Bond
The connection between veterans and assistance dogs is rooted in neurobiology. Interaction boosts oxytocin (bonding), dopamine, and endorphins (mood), supporting improved wellbeing and resilience.
Veterans paired with assistance dogs also show healthier cortisol patterns, indicating better stress regulation. Our PALS programme harnesses this synergy to create emotionally supportive and physiologically transformative partnerships.
Neurobiological Highlights
- Oxytocin rises: bonding, trust, and social safety
- Dopamine/endorphins: mood elevation and reward
- Healthier cortisol profiles: improved stress regulation
- Sustained resilience through consistent partnership
How Assistance Dogs Help
Our assistance dogs perform a variety of tasks supporting mental health:
Alerting to and interrupting dissociation
Medication reminders
Grounding during panic attacks
Waking from nightmares and switching on lights
Getting someone up and out of bed
Reducing anxiety through touch tasks
Leading to a safe place
Reducing hyper‑vigilance through focus‑work
Using safe commands
Beyond specific tasks, constant companionship and emotional support are vital in improving veterans’ quality of life.
Ongoing Research
We advance understanding of how assistance dogs support PTSD and other invisible injuries. In partnership with universities, we conduct rigorous studies to:
Efficacy
Assess the effectiveness of assistance dogs across mental health conditions.
Human–Animal Relationship
Understand the dynamics of veteran–dog partnerships.
Long‑Term Impact
Track outcomes over time to guide best practices and policy.
Evidence-based research allows us to continuously improve programmes, providing the best support for veterans.
Further Information
Advancing the Evidence
Translational research into therapeutic efficacy for veterans with PTSD and invisible injuries.
Evolving Evidence
Latest findings on symptom reduction, cortisol patterns, and quality of life.
A Decade of Transformation
Ten years of groundbreaking research on assistance dogs and veteran wellbeing.
Leading the Way in Research
For over a decade, Veterans With Dogs has conducted groundbreaking research into the impact of assistance dogs on veterans’ mental health—a significant long-term effort unmatched by any other organisation in the UK.
Our studies provide invaluable insights into the benefits of canine support for veterans experiencing challenges including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. By combining rigorous data collection with real-world experiences, we are shaping the future of assistance dog programmes in the UK and highlighting their transformative effects.
