Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD
NEADS Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Program
The Trauma Assistance Dog program (TAD) is designed for veterans with diagnosed service-related PTSD from trauma that occurred during active duty.
Program requirements include regular travel to NEADS campus in Princeton, MA for the first year of the program. Applicants must live within a 3-hour drive of the NEADS campus.
Application Process
We are not currently accepting applications for the NEADS TAD Program.
If you feel that you meet the initial criteria for the TAD program listed below, we ask that you check this page periodically for updates on the application process. You can also research other programs through the following website: www.assistancedogsinternational.org.
Initial criteria for the TAD program include:
- In individual therapy at least 2 times a month for the past 6 months with a licensed mental health provider
- At least 12 months sober if in sobriety
- No recent major life changes that include, a new marriage; a new child; a new pet; a major move; change in jobs, etc. We ask that you have 12 months’ time of stability after a major life change
- If you have had a recent suicide attempt, we ask that you be 12 months from the attempt before applying
- Can manage any anger management-related challenges
- Live within a 3-hour drive of Princeton, MA
How does a NEADS Service Dog help a veteran with PTSD?
Highly Trained Service Dog
The NEADS Service Dog:
- Doesn’t react to loud noises
- Is naturally attuned to people
- Is steady and confident in public
Task Work
Through specific task work, the NEADS Service Dog can help a veteran:
- Overcome fear of public places
- Cope with anxiety triggers
- Cope with flashbacks
Highly Trained Dog + Task Work
The combination of being in the presence of this steady, confident dog and specific task work can help a veteran with:
- Reintegrating into a civilian setting
- Learning to trust again
- Sleep issues
- Feelings of being safe
What tasks does a NEADS Service Dog perform to help a veteran with PTSD?
Here are three examples:
Visit
On command, the Service Dog rests his head on the veteran’s lap. Combined with breathing exercises for the veteran, this can
- help calm the veteran
- help him or her cope with anxiety
This tactical exercise also provides therapeutic support.
Turn/Down Stay
On command, the Service Dog will lie down facing the opposite direction of the veteran. This can help the veteran overcome a fear of public places.
Nudge
On command, the Service Dog flips on a light switch. This can:
- mitigate a veteran’s fear of entering a dark room
- help him or her cope with flashbacks
What to look for in a Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD Program
NEADS is one of the first Service Dog organizations to develop a program for veterans with PTSD. Our program was developed in conjunction with Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and leading experts in trauma. As a charter member of ADI (Assistance Dog International), NEADS is recognized as an approved Service Dog program by the VA.
This checklist highlight the key features of a successful Service Dogs for Veterans with PTSD program.
Track Record
Track record of helping veterans by providing highly trained Service Dogs for Veterans
NEADS has:
Over 12 years providing Service Dogs for Veterans
Service Dogs provided to veterans at no charge to the veteran
10 years of providing highly trained Service Dogs to veterans with PTSD
Over 50 Service Dogs placed with veterans with PTSD
Training overseen by Senior Trainers with more than 50 years of combined experience in the Service Dog industry and who have been involved with the program since it began
Fully Trained Service Dog
Fully trained Service Dog that meets an individual’s needs
NEADS Dogs:
Purpose bred for specific temperament, health, and personality traits
Trained for 14-18 months in obedience and 50-60 tasks to support veterans with PTSD
Trained by senior trainers involved from puppyhood through advanced training
Exemplify proper Service Dog behavior in public: walks on a leash without pulling; ignores distractions; is quiet and unobtrusive unless performing specific task work
Professional Assessment and Matching
Assessment and matching by professional team that fully understands military culture
NEADS:
Veteran-to-veteran screening
Intake interview conducted by LICSW; respected psychologist in field of PTSD; veterans; and Senior Training staff
Senior Trainers have firsthand knowledge of dog’s temperament and abilities to allow for best match between Service Dog and client
Veteran Training & Support
On-campus training + support for the life of the Service Dog
NEADS Program includes:
2-week on-campus training conducted by Senior Trainers
Veterans trained together to promote peer-to-peer interaction and support
Instruction on task work, care, and health of the dog, and public access rights
Community trips under guidance of Senior Trainers
Assistance in obtaining pet insurance
Veteran/Service Dog team is certified by Assistance Dogs International (VA required)
1 year of in-person follow-up meetings and ongoing support
Staff support and follow-up assistance for the life of the Service Dog