Working dogs represent one of the most powerful yet underutilized resources in veteran care and military support. From detecting IEDs on the battlefield to providing life-saving assistance for veterans with PTSD, mobility challenges, hearing loss, and invisible wounds, these remarkable animals serve as bridges between isolation and independence. America's VetDogs, a national nonprofit, has been at the forefront of this mission, training and placing service dogs, guide dogs, hearing dogs, seizure response dogs, and facility dogs with veterans and active-duty service members at no cost for nearly 25 years. Their work demonstrates how the human-animal bond can literally save lives, restore dignity, and rebuild the confidence that military service sometimes fractures.

This panel will explore the transformative impact of working dogs on military communities, from the rigorous training processes that create these four-legged heroes to the profound stories of veterans who've reclaimed their lives with canine partners by their sides. Attendees will gain insight into how service dogs address specific challenges facing today's veterans—from navigating PTSD triggers in crowded spaces to providing physical stability for wounded warriors—while learning about the evolving science behind animal-assisted therapy. The discussion will also address the critical need for expanded access to these programs, as demand far exceeds current capacity, leaving too many veterans waiting for the life-changing partnership that could restore their independence and hope.

Discover how four paws and a wagging tail are changing lives, one veteran at a time.