We offer services to veterans of the UK Armed Forces, non-operational reservists and former members of the Merchant Navy. They must be domiciled in the UK and registered with a UK GP and have issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression.
We provide assistance dogs, training and related services for Veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues related to their military service.
We do not provide support for those who haven't served or for physical disabilities.
1. Complete a "Register of Interest" form (not a full application at this stage).
2. If eligible, you'll be invited to meet our team and learn about the programme.
3. You'll then receive a full application to complete.
Note: Veterans with Dogs reserves the right to decline an application at any stage.
We do not charge for the placement of a dog or our training services. However, veterans are responsible for ongoing costs of daily care once the dog is placed.
The process can take between 6 to 24 months from submitting a Register of Interest. The time varies depending on individual needs and available dogs.
Potentially, but your dog must meet specific assistance dog standards and pass assessments. The dog must be under 3 years old before training starts. There's no guarantee of acceptance.
We primarily use breeds with proven assistance dog work history, such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and first-generation crosses of the two. We also work with some Spaniels.
Our dogs are trained for tasks such as:
They do not perform security or defensive tasks.
No, we require that the assistance dog is the only dog in the household to ensure proper bonding and training.
We require direct ground floor access to a private, secure outdoor space for the dog's welfare needs. Communal areas and flats without direct ground floor access to a garden are not suitable.
We receive no government funding. We rely entirely on public donations, trusts and foundation support, and fundraising initiatives to support our work with veterans.
No, we are unable to provide assistance to individuals who are outside of the UK or travelling to the UK. You must be resident in the UK and a British Veteran.
Veterans who currently:
Have difficulties that severely affect their relationships with others
Are experiencing severe psychotic symptoms
Are at high risk, whether it be self-harm, feeling suicidal or at risk of causing harm to others
Are experiencing a mental or physical health crisis
We do not provide urgent or crisis services, hospital services or any assessment and treatment under the Mental Health Act.
If you are in a crisis and need urgent help, please contact your GP, Samaritans on 116 123, or dial 999.