Influence of Trained Companion Dog Ownership Among Military Veterans Diagnosed With a Mental Health Condition

PURPOSE: To explore the perceptions of U.S. Veterans on the influence of owning trained companion dogs (TCDs) from animal shelters on their mental health and influence of the historical distress of the dog on dog-owner bonding. METHOD: A descriptive, exploratory design was used to collect data via telephone interviews with 90 veterans who adopted dogs and had a mental health diagnosis at the time of adoption. RESULTS: Ownership influenced perceptions of loneliness (97%), sense of purpose (87%), exercise (86%), safety (86%), anxiety (84%), depression (84%), and sleep (74%). Veterans who perceived that their dog experienced distress or trauma pre-adoption acknowledged it influenced feelings of connectedness (66%), relating to the dog (81%), helping the dog (81%), and the dog helping them (88%). CONCLUSION: TCD ownership positively influenced veteran mental health. Help is a two-way street between veterans and dogs with a history of distress or trauma. Health care professionals caring for veterans with mental health conditions should explore dog ownership through specific companion programs.