PetsLoyal2Vets is a Veteran-run, nonprofit, outreach organization which connects therapy and companion dogs with U.S. military Veterans suffering from service related traumas.

PetsLoyal2Vets says that their mission is, "to connect disabled Minnesota Military Veterans diagnosed and treated for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), or physical assault traumas with specially trained companion, therapy, and psychiatric service dogs." The organization partners with supporting animal shelters, breeders, and rescue organizations at no cost to the Veteran.

According to the policy research organization, RAND Corporation, in 2014 at least 20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans were diagnosed with PTSD and/or depression, while 19 percent of Veterans may have been suffering from TBI. The VA defined PTSD as a type of anxiety that affects people who have experienced a particular traumatic event. Additionally, TBI is listed as the most common physical injury among Veterans who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan; about one half of all injuries were TBI due to explosion.

The VA reports that owning a dog can lift moods and reduce stress. In general, research has found that dogs can help people feel better by providing companionship. Also, dogs are a good reason to get out of the house, spend time outdoors, and meet new people.

PetsLoyal2Vets trains companion dogs, therapy dogs, and psychiatric service dogs. The organization defines a service dog as a working dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Similarly, psychiatric service dogs are dogs that assist their handler that suffers from a psychiatric disability. Psychiatric service dogs can help with conditions such as PTSD, Bipolar disorder, anxiety, severe depression, panic attacks, nightmares, phobias, and obsessive compulsive disorders.

The PetsLoyal2Vets' facility in Prior Lake is currently under renovation to better provide improved shelter and training areas for the dogs. Jeff LaBaron, Executive Director of PetsLoyal2Vets, said the organization is nearing the end of the Phase III 'Project Companion.' After renovations of the 4,800 square foot building are complete, they will have space for 40 to 50 dogs per year.

All Veteran candidates for this specialized program must have fulfilled VA Medical Center treatments prior to being connected with a dog. PetsLoyal2Vets repeatedly emphasizes that their dogs are not meant to replace professional medical care, but instead are to provide comfort and companionship to Veterans after they have been diagnosed with PTSD or TBI. Veterans participating in this program can be active duty, reservist, inactive reserve, Veteran, retired or disabled.


Photo Caption: Jeff LeBaron, Executive Director PetsLoyal2Vets and his dog Riggs.