According to the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), approximately 30% of veterans experience symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from experiencing war and/or assault. Many vets also feel lost without a routine or structure once they complete their service and may feel lost or disconnected from their friends and family, often struggling to reacclimate to civilian life after the military.

How a Companion Dog Can Benefit a Veteran

• Caring for a dog provides structure and purpose for a person who is used to being mission focused and having a sense of duty.

• A dog is someone who will always listen and love you. A veteran can speak to their dog about their services that they may not feel comfortable speaking to their family about, allowing the veteran to express their emotions within their own comfort zone.

• A dog can be a welcome new source of joy. For those who do suffer from PTSD, having a companion dog can help improve PTSD and depressive symptoms.

• Companion dogs can even help veterans re-establish relationships with people by acting as a social connection.

Benefits

• Waived adoption fee

• $25 discount per session on training services provided by Pawstigious Pets

• 10% discount on wellness exams at Howard Beach Animal Clinic