By Christina Christina Hicks, MS, CRC (MC Veterans Coalition member)
Did you know that the VA can support eligible veterans and their service or guide dog? This is determined on a case-by-case basis and the veteran must be enrolled at a VA Medical Center to begin the process, but this unique service offers veterinary support as well as appropriate equipment (i.e., vest, harness, etc.).
Fast Facts:
A guide dog is trained to assist someone who is legally blind or visually impaired, hence the term “guide.” They work with the veteran to assist them in avoiding obstacles
A service dog is trained to help someone with physical or hearing disabilities through various tasks such as alerting a deaf or hearing-impaired person of a knock at the door, retrieving items or pulling a wheelchair for a person with limited mobility (Protecting someone, giving emotional support, or being a companion do not qualify a dog to be a service animal)
Eligibility is determined by a clinician and the veteran must be able to have means to care for the dog currently and in the future, as well as have goals that can be accomplished through use of the dog
VA does not provide service or guide dogs – they are provided and trained at no cost through accredited agencies
Is a service dog right for you? Have you considered how this type of support may benefit you with everyday tasks?
Talk to your VA primary care provider today and request a referral to a specialist to see if you qualify.
For more information about the Montgomery County Veterans Coalition, visit the official website.
For more information, see references below:
https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/factsheet/PSAS-FactSheet-ServiceDogs.pdf
https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/factsheet/PSAS-FactSheet-ServiceDogs.pdf