Episode 3 Extras

Puppies Assisting Wounded Service Members (PAWS) Pilot Act

On March 30th, the VA released an article sharing the implementation plan & locations of the Puppies Assisting Wounded Service Members (PAWS) Pilot Act.

What is the PAWS Act?

It’s a five-year pilot program that provides canine training to eligible Veterans diagnosed with PTSD as an element of a complementary & integrative health program.

“Eligible” Veteran enrollment is defined by 38 U.S.C. 1705 , which is regulated under 38 CFR 17.36

To paraphrase: to participate in the pilot, a veteran must meet three threshold conditions for eligibility; namely, the veteran must be (1) enrolled in the V.A. health care system; (2) diagnosed with PTSD, and (3) recommended by a V.A. mental health care provider or V.A. clinical team.

Currently, there are 5 locations selected for the program:

• Anchorage, AK

• Asheville, NC

• Palo Alto, CA

• San Antonio, TX

• West Palm Beach, FL

Clinicians at the sites' locations will determine the eligibility of Veterans interested in the program.

One note: Training has not been finalized, but Veterans that participate in the program will have the opportunity to train future service dogs in the program

Nothing wrong with giving back to a program that helped you!

While the program is in the pilot phase, I can see the potential benefit to Veterans afflicted with PTSD.

With all items featured in the Veteran News section, please pass this on to anyone you might know who qualifies!