SERVICE DOGS FOR PTSD
Changing Lives Through Wellness
Designed for practical support and unwavering companionship in the aftermath of trauma, our Certified PTSD Service Dog program is offered to Veterans and First Responders across Canada. NSD is proud to partner with Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC) and The Royal Canadian Legion – Ontario Provincial Command to facilitate life-changing service dog partnerships.
The essential funding provided by Ontario Command’s Operation Service Dog expands access to Service Dogs for Veterans across Ontario. In collaboration with WWC and NSD, this long-running partnership is working to ensure Ontario’s Veterans are receiving the assistance they need to feel safe, supported and understood. Learn more about Operation Service Dog here.
“Service Dogs help veterans increase quality of life in environmental, physical, and social domains.”
Benefits
How PTSD Service Dogs Can Help
Promote Integration & Activity
Being responsible for a consistent, caring companion helps build ties to the future. Dogs are active and require people to get out and exercise. Caring for an NSD dog can bring routine back into life.
Suppress Hyper Vigilance
Hyper vigilance creates constant tension and paranoia. NSD dogs are trained to create a physical barrier for those that require more personal space than the average individual.
Provide Reality Affirmation & Redirection
After anxiety, nightmares, or flashbacks, trained NSD dogs support a safe environment by physically redirecting individuals to positive activities (i.e. petting), or using persistent nudges and a calm disposition.
SUCCESS STORIES
I Feel A True Happiness That I Never Believed I Would Ever Feel Again.
To say that NSD Lynx has been a life saver seems like a tremendous understatement; my life and my whole family’s life has changed so much.
I have a new, manageable life with my wife and my son that I never dreamed would be possible, let alone dared to imagine, before receiving this wonderful gift. Today with the help of NSD Lynx, my family and I “LIVE” with PTSD, we no longer “SUFFER” from it.”
Lawrence
SUCCESS STORIES
Nightmare interruption is an integral part of his role.
NSD graduates Sean and Neville hit the ground running in May 2018 as they embarked on a vacation to Newfoundland shortly after they were matched. According to Sean, “The main thing is, he keeps me grounded.” If Neville sees Sean leaning over with his elbows on his knees, Neville will come over and give him a nudge, helping to keep him grounded in reality and redirecting him to more positive thoughts and activities.
Nightmare interruption is an integral part of his role and he gently wakes Sean when he’s having a bad dream or provides deep pressure and a reassuring presence if Sean is restless at night.
Sean
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Each of our dogs is provided to those in need, free of charge. Help support our mission by donating today.
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Your help is needed.
If you love dogs and love making a difference, there are a variety of ways to volunteer at National Service Dogs. You getting involved allows us to provide life-changing Service Dogs that empower people to achieve their full potential. We would not exist without the hard work and dedication of our generous volunteers, both with dogs and within our organization. Make an impact today.
Veteran’s capacity to go on public outings independently went from 33-53% before service dog acquisition to 100% after 6 months with their Service Dog.
After acquiring a Service Dog, it was found veterans improved in the following areas:
- Feeling safe rather than feeling vulnerable or insecure
- Happiness
- Independence
- Quality of life
- Capability
Donate today to help make an impact. Become a partner or sponsor a PTSD Service Dog.
NSD’s Client Service Social Workers walk our clients through a thoughtful, person-centric application and screening process. The demand for our services currently exceeds our capacity and we work on a referral and quota process for new applicants aligned with the number of dogs in development at any given time. Our application process is currently closed.
Each NSD Service and Facility Dog Partnership is valued at $50,000; including all ongoing support services over the eight year partnership, but provided at no charge to clients. Once partnered with an NSD Dog, clients are responsible for:
- A $250 equipment fee - Travel, lodging and food costs associated with the week they attend Team Training in Kitchener, Ontario
- The day to day costs associated with the dog’s care; including food, toys, and veterinary care.
NSD retains ownership of all working service and facility dogs and works in partnership with our clients to ensure each dog’s health and wellness needs are being met throughout their working life.
Pioneering Change
NSD is proud to be the first Canadian ADI accredited organization to launch a PTSD Service Dog program. Special thanks to Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC) and The Royal Canadian Legion – Ontario Provincial Command for their lasting support in creating life-changing service dog partnerships.
Operation Service Dog Warrior HealthStatistics
Studies across North America have shown that Service Dogs can decrease nightmares, improve sleep quality and hygiene and create a lasting reduction in depressive symptoms.
Learn More Here