Research and Advocacy for Every Veteran
K9s For Warriors advances research on service-related trauma and its treatment by strategically organizing leaders and research professionals dedicated to supporting Veterans. We collaborate with other organizations focused on Veteran causes, sharing our findings to raise awareness, enhance understanding of service-connected trauma, and drive relentless advocacy to save Veterans' lives.
Supporting Veterans, Service Dogs, and the Community
K9s For Warriors focuses on research about the impact of Service Dogs on Veterans. This research helps shape public policy initiatives aimed at preventing Veteran suicide and empowering these heroes to lead productive lives in their communities.
For years, K9s For Warriors has worked with the OHAIRE Lab at the University of Arizona’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
The most recent study, funded by National Institutes of Health and published in JAMA Network Open, linked the pairing of Service Dogs with military Veterans to lowered PTSD severity, diagnosis odds and other negative mental health symptoms.
K9s For Warriors is at the forefront of this important research, aimed at better understanding the efficacy of Service Dogs to advocate for policy reform.
Championing Veterans' Well-being on Capitol Hill
The PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act
K9s For Warriors advocated for the PAWS Act on Capitol Hill which passed Congress and was signed into law on August 25, 2021. The bill required the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a five-year pilot program to provide canine training to eligible Veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as an element of a complementary and integrative health program.
National Service Dog Day
K9s For Warriors successfully proposed to permanently establish September 20 as National Service Dog Day. A testament to our collaboration with Members of Congress and the unanimous support from the U.S. Senate when H.Res 513 / S.Res 238 passed Congress on September 19, 2023 and a White House proclamation, signed by the President, was issued on September 20, 2024.
The Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act (SAVES)
K9s For Warriors is leading the charge on Capitol Hill to pass the SAVES Act which would authorize $50 million over 5 years to establish a competitive grant program at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to award grants to nonprofit organizations who provide trained Service Dogs to military Veterans with a range of disabilities.
The Providing Emotional Assistance with Relief and Love Act (PEARL)
K9s For Warriors is advocating for the PEARL Act on Capitol Hill which would authorize $1 million to the U.S. Customs and Boarder Patrol’s Support Canine Program to address mental health challenges of CBP personnel with the use of therapy dogs.
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
