In the Media: Can Service Dogs Help Veterans?

Sept. 12, 2023

University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine researchers will examine the impact animals have on post-traumatic stress disorder.

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A golden retriever sits in front of an American flag.

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This excerpt was taken from UA News.

University of Arizona researchers studying the impact service dogs have on veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder say their work may one day lead to more efficient medical intervention for patients.

The Service Dog and Veteran Experiences Study, or UArizona SERVES, is the first national, randomized clinical trial examining the potential medical benefits of a service dog on veterans with PTSD compared to usual care alone. The study is led by Maggie O'Haire, associate dean of research and a professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, and Evan MacLean, associate professor at the college and the founder and director of the Arizona Canine Cognition Center. Together, they hope to better understand the impact of service dogs on veterans, as well as the factors that may contribute to the success of individual animals.

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