Dogtopia Foundation Advances Research on How Service Dogs Support Veterans with PTSD

This Veterans Day, University of Arizona research builds the case that service dogs can strengthen treatment

PHOENIX, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the nation prepares to honor those who have served this Veterans Day, University of Arizona researchers supported by the Dogtopia Foundation are working to better understand how service dogs support veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and whether they can help strengthen the impact of proven PTSD treatments.

Led by Dr. Maggie O'Haire, associate dean for research and professor at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, the research moves beyond whether service dogs help to how they help, which veterans benefit most and whether they can help veterans stay engaged in treatment.

Since 2023, the Dogtopia Foundation has provided more than $325,000 to support this research, made possible by fundraising from Dogtopia franchisees, team members and pet parents across the country.

Building Evidence to Improve Veterans' Care

A 2024 study led by Dr. O'Haire and published in JAMA Network Open found that after three months, veterans partnered with psychiatric service dogs reported significantly lower PTSD symptoms, depression and anxiety than veterans receiving usual care while waiting for a dog. Their average self-reported PTSD symptom score was nearly 12 points lower.

Other research led by Dr. O'Haire adds to the evidence:

• A study supported by the Dogtopia Foundation found that veterans with service dogs demonstrated healthier morning cortisol patterns, providing biological evidence of their potential impact.
• Additional findings have associated service dogs with better emotional functioning, more positive social interactions, greater participation in activities and lower odds of panic attacks.

"Before my service dog, Merin, came into my life, I often felt like I was surviving rather than truly living," said Kory Kelly, a U.S. Air Force veteran paired with Merin through Canine Companions, a Dogtopia Foundation partner. "She has helped me navigate anxiety, feel more secure in public and reconnect with a sense of calm, purpose and joy. Participating in Dr. O'Haire's research let me turn my personal experience into something that could help fellow veterans. I hope it helps people understand the powerful bond between veterans and their service dogs, and how much that partnership can change a life. Merin hasn't erased my challenges, but she has helped me face them, and that has made a tremendous difference."

Advancing the Science

The University of Arizona team is continuing this work through a national randomized clinical trial following veterans with PTSD over 15 months. Researchers are examining changes in PTSD symptoms, biological markers of stress and dog characteristics to better understand how, why and for whom service dog partnerships are most effective.

The team's newest research explores whether service dogs can help veterans stay engaged and benefit fully from Prolonged Exposure Therapy, one of the most effective evidence-based treatments for PTSD. However, the therapy asks veterans to confront trauma-related memories and situations they have been avoiding, so completing it remains a challenge for many. Researchers will study whether having a service dog helps them work through the most difficult parts, see treatment through and achieve stronger results.

"Veterans told us early on that their service dogs were changing their lives, and our goal has been to put strong science behind their lived experiences," said Dr. O'Haire. "More than a decade later, we've developed the largest evidence base in the world on service dog partnerships for veterans. Each next step teaches us more about who benefits and how, bringing veterans with PTSD closer to the care they deserve."

"This Veterans Day, we're proud that our franchisees, team members and pet parents are helping fund research that could change how veterans with PTSD are cared for," said Liz Meyers, executive director of the Dogtopia Foundation. "We've seen firsthand what these partnerships can do. Now the science is showing it, and we hope that leads to greater recognition of service dogs as part of PTSD care and the funding to make them accessible to every veteran who needs one."

In addition to supporting research, the Dogtopia Foundation works with nationally recognized service dog organizations to help provide service dogs and post-graduation support for veterans. The Foundation's featured partners include America's VetDogs, Canine Companions and K9s For Warriors. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised more than $5.8 million and helped support more than 850 veteran and service dog teams.

To support the Dogtopia Foundation's mission, visit www.dogtopiafoundation.org. To learn more about Dogtopia or find a daycare near you, visit www.dogtopia.com.

About Dogtopia

Founded in 2002, Dogtopia is an early pioneer and innovator in the dog daycare industry, offering an experience focused on wellness, quality of care, safety and transparency. The ultimate destination for improving the physical and mental well-being of dogs and pet parents, Dogtopia helps dogs live long, healthy and happy lives through services that holistically address canine wellness. Pet parents have the assurance of leaving their beloved furry family members in the hands of trained professionals in an environment created with dogs' safety in mind, including spacious playrooms assigned by size and play style, comfortable rubber flooring to reduce the impact on joints and paws, and webcams for pet parents to check in on their pups. For more information, visit www.dogtopia.com.

About the Dogtopia Foundation

The Dogtopia Foundation enables dogs to positively change our world by supporting programs focused on service dogs for veterans, therapy dogs for students and employment initiatives for adults with autism. The Foundation aims to identify needs, fill gaps and integrate knowledge for continuous improvement across its three areas of focus. By connecting dogs with the organizations it supports, the Foundation is helping returning veterans, students and adults with autism reach their full potential. To learn more, visit www.dogtopiafoundation.org.

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SOURCE Dogtopia