Service dogs are not typical pets
February 02, 2019
Many veterans adopt pets to help them overcome the ongoing effects of TBI and PTSD, while also enjoying companionship of man’s best friend. Yet, many veterans who adopt rescue dogs from animal shelters do so with the mistaken notion that they will receive the same benefits as they would from highly trained and costly service dogs. While it always is a good idea to adopt a rescue pet, doing so anticipating the same benefits that are provided by highly trained service dogs is a mistake.
Some local animal shelters in Michigan occasionally offer free dog adoption programs designed to unite military veterans, while reducing the local stray dog population. In theory, the idea is great. In practice, it can prove problematic if the veteran expects benefits similar to those provided by a dedicated and fully trained service dog.
A service dog can cost up to $20,000 and several years’ training to become a truly effective service animal, as well as a loving companion, for military veterans. When veterans adopt local dogs from animal shelters to save the costs of service dogs, they often wind up with a pet that increases stress levels due to a lack of training.
Fortunately, the VA and other non-profit and charitable organizations enable veterans to obtain service dogs to help with daily needs, while also serving as exemplary companions. Veterans can benefit greatly from a loving pet and companion. But a dedicated service animal provides a much greater level of service that disabled veterans and others need to help with the transition to civilian life.