PALS™ Programme
Transforming Lives, One Wet Nose at a Time
The PALS™ (Partner Animal Life Skills) Programme is the cornerstone of our work at Veterans With Dogs. This innovative and comprehensive programme is designed to empower veterans with service-related mental health conditions, providing them with a loyal companion and a path to improved well-being.
A Foundation of Excellence
Our PALS™ Programme is built on a solid foundation of expertise, drawing from first-hand understanding of mental health challenges, guidance and input from animal behaviourists and approved assistance dog trainers, with support from mental health professionals.
All dogs placed through Veterans With Dogs are graduates of our rigorous PALS™ Puppy Programme. This early-stage training ensures that our canine partners are extensively socialised, exposed to a wide variety of environments and well-prepared for their future roles as assistance dogs.
All techniques employed in the PALS™ Programme are grounded in modern, scientifically-proven training methods, guaranteeing that Veterans receive the most effective and up-to-date assistance dog training available. This comprehensive approach not only enhances the practical skills of the Veteran-dog partnership but also fosters a deep sense of confidence and mutual trust.
Personalised Training
Once partnered with a suitable assistance dog candidate, each veteran works at a pace tailored to their needs, supported by an individual trainer on a one-to-one basis.
This personalised approach ensures that veterans receive the most effective support as they progress through the three levels of the PALS Programme. Each level builds upon the previous, creating a comprehensive and guided training experience that fosters confidence and mutual trust between the veteran and their canine partner.
Residential Activities
A key component of the PALS Programme is the residential training held in Devon. Veterans attend residential training for each level of achievement, which is designed to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for both veterans and their assistance dogs.
These immersive experiences offer a safe space for participants to focus on personal growth and skill development without external distractions.
The residential programme includes engaging activities that strengthen the bond between veterans and their dogs, while fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
Comprehensive Support
At Veterans With Dogs, we cover the costs of all training and residential work, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to our programme.
This comprehensive support allows veterans to focus on their journey towards becoming an accredited assistance dog partnership, equipped with the essential skills, knowledge, and support needed to navigate life's challenges more effectively.
The PALS™ Impact
The PALS Programme has a profound impact on the lives of veterans who participate. Through this initiative, veterans experience significant improvements in their personal life skills, mental well-being, and overall independence. Perhaps most importantly, they form deep, supportive bonds with their canine partners that can be truly life-changing.
Our aim is to empower veterans to live fulfilling lives, and we are dedicated to providing the highest level of support and training to achieve this goal.