Research and Advocacy for Every Veteran
K9s For Warriors drives research of service-connected trauma and treatment through strategic organization of leaders and research professionals devoted to fighting for every Veteran. We share our findings with other organizations fighting for Veteran causes to collectively promote awareness, advance the research around service-connected trauma, and inspire tireless advocacy to save Veteran lives.
Benefiting Veterans, K9s, and the Community
K9s For Warriors focuses on research to demonstrate the effectiveness of its program. Our research focuses on the impact of Service Dogs on Veterans, which helps to shape public policy initiatives aimed at preventing veteran suicide and empowering these heroes to live productive lives in their communities.
Latest Breakthroughs
The data K9s For Warriors compiles provides a foundation for discussions on solutions to help Veterans heal. The issues veterans face are too complex to be solved by one organization. We empower people with information, funds, or endorsements to ensure adequate treatment is available to every veteran.
Service Dogs save Veteran lives, and we have the research to prove it. The physiological changes Service Dogs bring about in our Warriors enable them to thrive, while limiting or eliminating the need for pharmaceuticals that only help them cope.
The ill effects of PTSD cannot be understated. The direct link to life-altering issues, including suicidal ideation, anxiety, depression, broken relationships, and destroyed careers, is undeniable. We are learning all we can about PTSD in order to effectively treat it.
Not all injuries of war occur at the hands of the enemy. Sadly, sexual assault and harassment are sometimes inflicted by other service members. According to the VA, women are more commonly victimized, but 40% of reported cases are from men. These experiences make veterans twice as likely to commit suicide, making our research in this area even more vital.
TBI diagnoses have nearly doubled since the commencement of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, but it is still misunderstood. The adverse effects, including cognitive dysfunction and sleep disorders, are so far-reaching that as many as 20 medicines can be prescribed for treatment. Our research is focused on better understanding and treatment of this affliction.
Approximately 20 veterans take their own life every day. Any number greater than zero is unacceptable. K9s For Warriors is committed to understanding the root causes of these actions and providing the best support and treatment to save these lives. This begins with scientific research, and we will commit every resource we have to the mission of saving veteran lives.
Affecting Policy to Save Lives
The PACT Act
K9s For Warriors was a proud advocate of The Honoring Our PACT Act, which was signed into law on August 10, 2022. The new law will positively impact over 95% of our graduates by expanding VA health care and benefits for over 3.5 million Veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their military service, including burn pits. In addition, the law will streamline the VA’s review process, establish presumption of service connection for 23 respiratory illnesses, and require medical exams for veterans with disability claims related to toxic exposures, Agent Orange, and radiation. If you are a Veteran and believe you have been exposed to airborne hazards during your military service, learn more on how to receive care from The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
PAWS Act
K9s For Warriors was committed to seeing that the federal government passed the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) Act. The act requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a grant program providing Service Dogs to veterans diagnosed with service-connected trauma through organizations that offer accredited training. We have introduced this bill several times, validating the effectiveness of Service Dogs in reducing veteran suicide.
The VA has finally concluded its study confirming what K9s For Warriors has already known through scientific research data. The time is now for Congress to take action on behalf of our veteran heroes.
Partnering for a Cause
All veterans deserve access to every resource that will contribute to their healing. We work with other veteran-focused organizations and tirelessly educate our representatives to drive causes and legislation that enable Warriors to successfully integrate back into society.
A state-by-state guide to the rights of Service Dog handlers
Most states protect the rights of Service Dogs and their handlers. These laws sometimes vary. Use this guide to understand your area’s rules.
Latest Research
3 min read
UF College of Veterinary Medicine X K9s For Warriors: A Unique “Paw”tnership
Tuesday, January 16th 2024
6 min read
Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury: Blasts
Monday, November 11th 2019
5 min read
Do Heavy Weapons Cause TBI?
Saturday, November 9th 2019
3 min read
Is Service Abuse? How Dogs Respond to Our Work
Friday, May 10th 2019
