Additional Resources

Additional Providers of Service Dogs

Can the veteran’s own personal dog be trained to become their PTSD service dog?
PTSD service dogs require very special traits, temperaments and exceptional intuition to be molded into the working dogs they need to become. While we have had successes with some personal dogs, and rescues previously, we have made the decision to focus only on purpose bred dogs which we select for the program. This decision has been made because it is the most financially responsible choice on our part for the donors who support our program as well as for the veterans who are on the wait list.For veterans who do wish to train their own dogs, or to work with a professional trainer in their geographic area, we suggest researching trainers on Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans, Assistance Dogs International or the International Association of Canine Professionals.

There are PTSD resources available to both veterans and their families. Below are some links to PTSD resources to better understand, or gain support. If you are an organization and would like to be included on this list, please fill out the form on this page.
For Veterans

VETERANS’ LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Veterans’ Legal Assistance Program (“VLAP”) provides free legal assistance to veterans in southern Illinois who cannot afford or do not have access to legal representation in the appeals of claims for compensation for service-connected disabilities, pension benefits, survivor benefits and education benefits.

Understanding PTSD
What is PTSD, HelpGuide.org
What is PTSD, Mental Health America
PTSD, American Psychological Association
Traumatic Stress in Women Veterans, Veterans Health Administration
Understanding a Veteran with PTSD, Maryville University

Service Dogs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amends its regulation concerning the presence of animals on VA property.This final rule expands the current VA regulation to authorize the presence of service animals consistent with applicable Federal law when these animals accompany individuals with disabilities seeking admittance to property owned or operated by VA.
Frequently Asked Questions, Americans with Disabilities Act
Requirements for Service Animals, Americans with Disabilities Act