#MIDDLEBURY #VETERANS
by Freddy Groves
The Department of Veterans Affairs has long provided veterinary care for the guide and service dogs of veterans who can benefit from having a dog, but now an additional category will be explored in a pilot program. Approved veterans whose mobility is limited by mental-health disorders will be able to get veterinary care for their animals if the program proves successful.
The Service Dog Benefits Pilot will allow an additional 100 veterans to get veterinary care for their dogs. That care includes all the things a normal household pet would get: immunizations, dental care, screenings, preventive care, wellness and sick-animal visits, screenings, emergency care, prescriptions and any treatment that helps the dog do its job for the veteran. Specific food, if the dog is on a special diet, and all the gear (such as harness, backpack) also are provided.
Until now, only veterans having hearing, visual or mobility impairment that is determined to be helped by having a dog have had veterinary care provided.
While guide dogs are specially trained to assist those who have vision impairments by avoiding obstacles, service dogs are trained to do a variety of specific tasks so the veteran can live independently. That might include helping vets with hearing loss and physical impairments.
Other facts:
- Veterans who are matched up with a dog are expected to spend time training, and travel costs can be prohibitive. In that case, the VA provides financial support for training time and travel.
- After the veteran is approved for the program, only dogs obtained from accredited Assistance Dogs International or International Guide Dog Federation facilities are approved.
To learn more, go to www.prosthetics.va.gov/ServiceAndGuideDogs.asp. Scroll to the bottom of the page and you’ll find the Frequently Asked Questions, as well as the Fact Sheet on Guide and Service Dogs.
(c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.
