Colorado Springs is home to five military installations and about 84,000 military veterans. With such a large military presence it only makes sense that we take time to recognize National Pets for Veterans Day on October 21st. Harley’s Hope is proud to provide a Veteran Support Services program to provide additional support to our military veterans and their animals.

Some veterans with extreme physical or emotional disabilities qualify for service animals and Harley’s Hope provides further assistance to these families through a separate service animal aid fund. Service animals differ from pets in that they are highly trained for specific needs such as guide dogs for the blind. Veterans often use service dogs for assistance with tasks like opening doors or maintaining balance. Through this type of support, many people who would not otherwise be able to live independent lives are given back their autonomy. Service animals can also be instrumental in helping veterans with severe post traumatic stress disorder to maintain a calm mental state. Dogs can sense heightened anxiety and signal their owner to exit a stressful situation or engage in other calming activities. Service animals are not considered pets and are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act, allowing them to accompany their person in areas where pets would not normally be welcomed, such as public transportation or workplaces.

Even veterans who do not qualify for a service animal can greatly benefit from a companion (or pet) animal. In the Colorado Springs area alone, approximately 400 military members end their service each month. Transitioning back into the civilian world presents unique challenges. Veterans can often feel disconnected, lost, and without direction or structure. Pets provide a form of structure to life, demanding routine feeding and care which can offer a focus and feeling of “mission” that would otherwise be missing. The need for daily walks forces physical activity and often can lead to socialization in dog parks or other pet-friendly venues. Additionally, pets tend to be great listeners and allow veterans a sounding board to relay experiences they may not be willing or able to share with another person. Studies by the National Institutes of Health have shown that having a companion or service animal improves the experience of sleep and overall well-being of veterans. Caring for a pet can be truly life-changing.

 It can be especially difficult for veterans to reach out for assistance when they face difficult times. Feeling unable to financially provide for a beloved pet’s food or health care can feel like a failure. But it does not have to. Companion and service animals have demonstrated real positive effects in the lives of veterans which makes it incredibly important to have resources focused on keeping them together.  Whether providing mental health support by reducing PTSD symptoms, a close emotional bond, or even improvements in blood pressure and physical stress, animals play a key role in the lives of many veterans. If you are a veteran (or know one) in need of assistance with companion or service animal support, do not hesitate to reach out to organizations such as Harley’s Hope. There is help available.