Assistance Dogs: Unlocking Independence and Empowerment | Veterans With Dogs

Assistance Dogs

Unlocking independence and empowerment with specially trained assistance dogs

At Veterans With Dogs, the transformative power of canine partnership supports veterans living with mental health challenges. Our approach pairs specially trained assistance dogs with veterans to improve daily life, confidence, and wellbeing — especially for those experiencing PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

The PALS™ Programme

Our ground-breaking PALS (Partner Animal Life Skills) Programme™ sits at the forefront of mental health support for veterans. It trains and provides assistance dogs specifically tailored to address mental health needs, forming one essential part of a wider system that enhances quality of life and fosters independence.

Designed around lived experience and evidence-based methods, PALS™ combines dog welfare, veteran wellbeing, and practical, real-world skills.

PALS Programme - Assistance Dog with Veteran

Wellbeing focus

Rigorous preparation for dogs; structured progression for veteran–dog teams.

Ethical training

Modern, positive training with robust safeguarding and aftercare.

Real-life ready

Skill-building for public spaces, transport, and everyday routines.

Legal Recognition and Public Access

Assistance dogs trained through our programme are legally recognised under the Equality Act 2010. This status enables veterans to be accompanied by their assistance dog in public settings — including shops, restaurants, and public transport — meaning daily life can be navigated with greater confidence and autonomy.

Recognition under the Equality Act safeguards fair access and reasonable adjustments for eligible handlers and their trained assistance dogs.

Legal Recognition and Public Access - Assistance Dog in Public

Tailored Support for Individual Needs

Every veteran’s journey is unique. Assistance dogs are trained for specific tasks that reflect real, individual needs:

Daily routines

Initiating wake-ups, prompts for medication, and structured day starts.

Anxiety response

Recognising hyper-vigilance or mounting anxiety and guiding to coping strategies.

Crisis interruption

Interrupting panic attacks and nightmares; grounding after night terrors.

Calm and grounding

Providing steady, calming presence during distress; supporting de-escalation.

Tailored Support - Assistance Dog with Veteran

This personalised approach helps veterans break unhelpful cycles, regain emotional control, and apply coping strategies when it matters most.

The Matching Process

Our expert team carefully matches each dog with a veteran based on their specific requirements. Once a suitable pairing is identified, comprehensive training ensures both the veteran and the dog are equipped to support each other effectively.

Intensive training under professional supervision
Formation of a strong, trusting bond
Acquisition of skills for sustainable partnership and progression

Training Journey

Training doesn’t stop at placement. Teams progress through advanced stages, consolidating reliability in public and at home, and building confidence in everyday life.

Foundations: bond-building, routine, early cues and confidence.

Progression: advanced skills, public access reliability, problem-solving.

Accreditation readiness: consistency, teamwork under pressure, independence.

A Journey of Transformation

By supporting veterans with mental health disabilities, our assistance dogs help to foster independence, safety, and overall wellbeing. These partnerships deliver more than companionship: they restore purpose and provide tools to reclaim life. Veterans With Dogs is committed to empowering veterans through the extraordinary bond with their canine partners.

Veterans With Dogs, 2 Northleigh House, Thorverton Road, Exeter, Devon EX2 8HF (01626) 798030