Helping Australians with PTSD reclaim their lives
PTSD Dogs Australia rescues, trains, and places assistance dogs with Australians living Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These dogs aren’t just companions . . . they’re lifelines.
PTSD is a growing challenge in Australia
- Around 7.2% of Australians experience PTSD in their lifetime, and 4.4% in any given year.
- Amoung veterans, PTSD rates can reach 17.7% and 8% for current ADF members.
- For first responders, prevalence is about 10%, with police at 11% and ambulance at 8%
PTSD affects families, workplaces, and communities. It can lead to isolation, unemployment, and even suicide.
Rescue dogs, Train heroes, Change lives
What We Do
- We rescue displaced dogs and train them to become certified assistance dogs.
- Dogs are trained to:
- Interrupt anxiety and panic attacks
- Provide comfort during flashbacks
- Create space in crowds
- Wake handlers from nightmares
- And so much more
Cost & Effort:
Training is intensive, a single dog can take 6 to 12 months and costs around $50,000.
Your support makes this work possible and reduces wait times for Australians who need help now.
Why assistance dogs make a difference
Australian studies show assistance dogs, used alongside clinical care, significantly improve mental health outcomes for veterans with PTSD . . . 88% reported improvements and 63% showed clinically significant change over 12 months. The study also found dogs to be a successful adjunct to treatment, reducing the burden on families and improving daily functioning.
La Trobe University evaluation of Department of Veteran Affairs Psychiatric Assistance Dogs Program 2022
Your Impact
- $60 helps with training and enrichment aids
- $350 helps cover vaccinations and other veterinarian expenses
- Major gifts fund specialised task training and public access accreditation
Who We Support
Veterans and First Responders clinically diagnosed with PTSD and
Members of the public through our Train Your Own pathways.
