Proposed Legislation to Establish a Grant Program for Organizations Dedicated to Providing Service Dogs for Military Veterans

WASHINGTON (June 21, 2023) – Today, U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Martin Heinrich (D-NV) introduced The Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act of 2023. K9s For Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of trained Service Dogs for Veterans, applauds these Members and the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs for their continued commitment to our nation’s heroes.

The bipartisan, bicameral measure directs the Secretary of the Veterans Affairs to establish a grant program at the Veterans Health Administration to award funds, on a competitive basis, to accredited nonprofit organizations that provide highly trained Service Dogs to eligible Veterans suffering from blindness, visual, or mobility impairments, loss of hearing, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma.

“Service Dogs have a proven track record of providing life-saving assistance to veterans,” said K9s For Warriors CEO, Carl Cricco. “The SAVES Act will ultimately put more Service Dogs in the hands of veterans in critical need, allowing them to regain their independence and reintegrate into civilian life. We thank Senators Tillis, Blumenthal, Cramer, and Heinrich for their strong commitment to our nation’s veterans and urge Congress to pass this important legislation without delay.”

The SAVES Act comes on the heels of S. Res. 238 / H. Res. 513 that were introduced by the House and Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Chairmen Jon Tester (D-MT) and Mike Bost (R-IL-12), and Ranking Members Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Mark Takano (D-CA-39) that will officially recognize September 20th as National Service Dog Day.

“Long after the fighting on the battlefield ends, too many of the courageous servicemembers come home and continue to battle against enemies that many consider just as insidious as those with guns, grenades, and rockets. That is why in 2021, I introduced the PAWS Act that created a pilot program to provide canine training to eligible veterans with PTSD, but it is clear we must continue to build on that effort to ensure this program is expanded to Veterans in need,” said Senator Tillis. “The SAVES Act will allow more Veterans who are struggling with the invisible wounds of war to receive service dogs that could ultimately save their lives. We must repay the debt to the men and women who served our country, I hope congress quickly passes this legislation to provide them with this important resource.”

“Service dogs offer invaluable support and comfort to our veterans. When our heroes struggle with PTSD and other service-related injuries during their adjustment to life at home, canine companions are right by their side,” said Senator Blumenthal. “These grants for nonprofits will provide veterans with the resources they need to prioritize their health and wellbeing. I’m proud to join Senator Tillis in this bipartisan effort.”

To ensure the highest of standards, approved nonprofits must have experience working directly with Veterans and adhere to Assistance Dogs International (ADI) standards or another widely recognized accreditation that the Secretary determines has standards that meet or exceed ADI.

Read the bill in its entirety here.

About K9s For Warriors 

Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of trained Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. With most dogs coming from high-kill rescue shelters, this innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery. This treatment method is backed by scientific research (from Purdue University’s OHAIRE Lab, demonstrating Service Dogs’ ability to help mitigate their Veteran’s symptoms of PTSD while simultaneously restoring their confidence and independence. Founded in 2011 as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, K9s For Warriors remains committed to bringing widespread awareness to veterans’ mental health and contributing to policy-level reform. The organization’s facilities include: K9s For Warriors National Headquarters (Ponte Vedra, FL) Davis Family Mega Kennel (Ponte Vedra, FL) Gold Family Campus (Alachua, FL) Helotes Warrior Ranch (Helotes, Texas), and the Petco Love K9 Center (San Antonio, Texas).

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