Barking Up the Right Tree: A Qualitative Study of Health Outcomes Among Military Veteran Handlers who Receive Service Dog Assistance

Abstract

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains a significant challenge among military veterans, often unresponsive to standard treatments. Psychiatric service dogs have emerged as a complementary intervention, yet little is known about how veterans perceive their impact on daily functioning, emotional stability, and overall well-being. Objectives: The present study aimed to explore the lived experiences of veterans with PTSD who received psychiatric service dogs and to understand how these partnerships affect emotional, psychological, and social health outcomes in everyday life. Methods: This qualitative study, part of a broader mixed-methods project, included semi-structured interviews with 42 veterans and 10 service dog program leaders from nine organizations across the United States. Veterans were selected based on elevated emotional distress identified through PTSD and depression screening tools. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to identify key patterns in perceived health outcomes and symptom changes over time. Results: Veterans reported substantial improvements in PTSD symptom clusters, including reductions in hyperarousal, avoidance, negative mood, and intrusive memories. Service dogs were credited with enhancing emotional regulation, social engagement, and daily functioning. While most experiences were positive, a few participants reported minimal changes or early adjustment challenges. Organizational leaders validated these themes and highlighted observed behavioral and psychosocial transformations among veterans in their programs. Conclusions: Psychiatric service dogs play a significant supportive role in the mental health recovery of veterans with PTSD. These findings support their inclusion as a viable adjunct to conventional treatment and point to the need for broader access, integration, and long-term support within veteran healthcare systems and clinical care pathways.