An evaluation of a research Trial of Assistance Dogs as an Adjunct to Therapy for Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). (the Trial). The Trial evaluated the life experiences of veterans through their journey of being paired with a specifically trained assistance dog. A mixed methods approach was used and participants included 17 veterans, their support persons and stakeholders participating in the Trial. The evaluation finds the Trial was successful in meeting its objectives.

The Trial’s objective was to train, allocate and monitor assistance dogs as an adjunct to evidence-based treatment for veterans with PTSD, to determine the following outcomes: 

• the clinical utility of using specifically-trained assistance dogs as an adjunct to evidence-based treatment for PTSD in a veteran population;
• the benefits of specifically-trained assistance dogs used by veterans with PTSD in decreasing related caregiver burden; and
• the key barriers and enablers for a possible future broader implementation of an assistance dog program of the type conducted under the Trial. 

The Trial evaluated the life experiences of 17 veterans with a diagnosis of PTSD through their journey of being paired with a specifically trained assistance dog. The veteran’s journey commenced at the time of recruitment and initial assessment, involvement in a comprehensive training program and matching of a dog to meet their unique needs. Following completion of the training program and preparedness the veteran received handover of their dog to live with them full time. 

Data collection methods

• The use of established and validated surveys, to measure PTSD symptomology, quality of life, general health and carer burden, to provide measurable and less subjective conclusions to be drawn regarding outcomes experienced by veteran and support person participants.
• The use of qualitative interviews to provide information relating to the implementation of the program itself and key considerations relating to future scalability of the model used in the Trial.
• The use of surveys to collect feedback from clinicians in relation to recruitment and training processes and veteran outcomes following receipt of their assistance dog.
• The collection, collation and analysis of data that provided information on activities, outcomes, Trial components, factors impacting outcomes (both individually and program wide), successes and challenges.