Under the legislation, veterans will be able to address their post-traumatic stress disorder through therapeutic dog training and handling. The trained service dogs will then be given to physically disabled veterans to help them meet their daily challenges.
Specifically, the legislation establishes a pilot program in VA medical centers for educating veterans with mental health conditions in the art and science of training and handling therapy dogs. It also calls for an assessment of the benefits to the veterans, as well as encouraging the use of shelter dogs.
Grimm said the program is cost-effective because it creates an alternative treatment for PTSD while helping physically disabled veterans. He said that with the suicide rate of returning service personnel high, the program meets a "crucial need" in exploring additional methods of treatment.
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