What We Do

Canine Guardians' main goal is to raise, train, and place specially trained dogs with PTSD veterans and their families at NO cost to the veteran. We also provide these trained dogs to disabled veterans, first responders, children and adults with physical disabilities, children with cancer, and diabetics.
 

By the time our service dogs meet their person, they are already completely trained with anxiety alerts. And they’ve learned other tasks, such as turning on lights, opening and closing doors and drawers and retrieving dropped objects. Ultimately, the service dogs will assist their veteran partners not just with anxiety alerts, but also with the whole healing process, providing constant companionship that supports the journey to recovery.
 

Our service dogs help assist with:
 

• Re-integrate and socialize
• Recognize early symptoms of anxiety or emotional distress
  Interrupt nightmares
• Increase confidence and a sense of belonging to civilian society
• Assume leadership responsibilities
• Better cope with mobility issues, including bracing and stabilization
   

What are the emotional benefits of having a dog?
 

• Service Dogs can make great companions. Having a dog as a companion can benefit anyone who likes dogs, including people with PTSD. For example, dogs:
• Help bring out feelings of love. 
• Are good companions. 
• Take orders well when trained. This can be very comfortable for a Service member or Veteran who was used to giving orders in the military. 
• Are fun and can help reduce stress. 
• Are a good reason to get out of the house, spend time outdoors, and meet new people.
   

Currently, the VA does not provide service dogs for physical or mental health conditions, including PTSD. VA does provide veterinary care for service dogs that are deemed medically necessary for the rehabilitation or restorative care plan of Veterans with permanent physical impairments. If research supports the use of service dogs for PTSD, VA will provide veterinary care for such dogs. Read more information on VA and service dogs.​

• In order to be a service dog with public access, the dog must receive specialized training and meet maximum  standards of behavior. Our service dogs are specially trained and fully socialized and capable of handling PTSD veterans' disabilities.   
• But outside of training, these unique animals are still friendly and lovable. Our dogs offer support, love and unconditional understanding. They help establish schedules and routines through their feeding and walking requirements and they offer distraction through playtime. These animals serve as friends and confidants. They’re not just dogs; they’re part of a team.   
• We believe our dogs are special and can truly help empower you to live a more healthy, more normal life.