For veterans
Veterans & PALS™
Learn how our PALS™ assistance dog programme supports veterans living with PTSD, anxiety, depression and related conditions.
Exclusively for current and former members of the British Armed Forces
Life‑changing assistance dogs for veterans living with mental health injuries.
As an award winning organisation, Veterans With Dogs pairs former members of the British Armed Forces with highly trained assistance dogs through our evidence‑led PALS™ programme, supporting those living with PTSD, anxiety, depression and related conditions.
Changing lives, one wet nose at a time.
UK's leading charity
Providing assistance dogs for mental health.
Evidence‑led PALS™ training
Proven by extensive research.
Built on lived experience
Long‑term partnerships with veterans.
How we can help
Where do you want to go?
For supporters
Donate & Fundraise
Help fund the training and lifelong support of assistance dog partnerships through a one‑off gift, regular donation, or your own fundraiser.
For volunteers
Volunteer & Support
Share your time and skills to support our veterans, assistance dogs and training team in roles across the charity.
PALS™: Partner Animal Life Skills
What is PALS™?
PALS™ is Veterans With Dogs' specialist assistance dog programme for current and former members of the British Armed Forces living with service‑related mental health conditions.
Rather than teaching skills in isolation, the PALS™ curriculum focuses on life skills for both veteran and dog – building calm routines, confident public access, and practical support for day‑to‑day living.
Each partnership is carefully assessed and supported over time, so that the assistance dog complements existing treatment, helps reduce the impact of symptoms, and supports a more independent, connected life.
An assistance dog is not a replacement for professional care – it's part of a wider recovery‑oriented plan, delivered with structured training, welfare safeguards and ongoing support.
Real lives, real change
Veterans and assistance dogs working side by side
Behind every partnership is a veteran rebuilding confidence, connection and independence with a highly trained assistance dog at their side.
“Before my assistance dog, I could barely leave the house. Now I can walk into a café, sit with my back to the room, and know that if the anxiety spikes, she’s there to ground me. It hasn’t erased my PTSD – but it’s given me my life back in ways I never thought possible.”
Join the mission
Get Involved: Change a Life Today
Veterans With Dogs depends 100% on public generosity. Whether you donate, volunteer your skills, or organise a fundraiser, every contribution funds life-changing PALS™ assistance dog partnerships for veterans nationwide.
100%
Donor-funded
200+
Veterans helped
90%+
Improvement in PTSD
