A pilot program at the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide veterans with access to work therapy, where they will learn to train dogs for service, in order to treat symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a step closer to becoming a reality.
The Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy was passed by the House Committee on Veterans Affairs in a bipartisan vote earlier this week.
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A recent VA study found veterans with post-traumatic stress who were paired with service dogs showed less suicidal ideation and more symptom improvement compared to veterans paired with an emotional support dog. VA has yet to release another comprehensive report on service animals and veteran health veterans which lawmakers and advocates have been anticipating for more than a year.
“Research institutions, the VA, and 312 of my colleagues understand the value in this type of treatment,” said Congressman Steve Stivers (R-OH), one of the bill’s sponsors.
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Under the legislation, after graduating from training, the veteran can adopt a newly-certified canine partner to provide continuous treatment.
The bill, which has 313 cosponsors, is now headed for the House Floor for final passage. To read the text of H.R. 1448, click here,
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.
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