Service Dogs Show Promise in PTSD Care Research

PHOENIX, Nov. 5, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- 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.

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. 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.

A 2024 study led by Dr. Maggie 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. A 2024 study led by Dr. Maggie 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. 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. Additional findings have associated service dogs with better emotional functioning, more positive social interactions, greater participation in activities, and lower odds of panic attacks.

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.

"We've seen firsthand what these partnerships can do.