Veterans Support Program
Dogs Canberra proudly supports Australian veterans by facilitating meaningful, therapeutic interactions with dogs, enhancing mental health, reducing isolation, and fostering community engagement. Drawing from our extensive experience in canine welfare and community outreach, our program aims to provide veterans across Canberra with accessible, non-clinical support through carefully structured interactions with dogs.
Our Services
Community Engagement and Events
We aim to collaborate with RSL Clubs, service clubs, support groups, and community organisations to host dedicated veteran-focused events. These gatherings offer a safe environment for veterans to meet our dogs, engage with peers, and access support networks.
Dog Foster, Ownership, and Adoption Support
Through extensive foster support – including covering set up costs, logistics, basic training, initial food costs, and medical treatment in line with our policies – we ensure dogs are matched with veteran adopters or foster carers, giving program participants a chance to foster or adopt without the initial financial and resource stressors. We hope to support our veterans so that they can find their perfect lifelong companion and best friend.
Service Dog Sponsorship and Facilitation
We actively assist veterans interested in pursuing service dog companionship. Dogs Canberra can facilitate initial starting processes and, in eligible circumstances, partially or fully sponsor specialised service dog training.
Who’s Eligible?
Dogs Canberra defines a veteran in line with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA):
“A veteran is any person who has served one or more days or is currently serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).”
How Can I Get Involved?
If you’re a veteran, we invite you to:
Reach Out
Contact us directly via email at info@dogscbr.org. Share your story with us – we want to help however we can.
Attend Veteran Support Events
Join our dedicated events – which we aim to be hosted at local RSLs and community venues (TBC). Connect with other veterans, meet our wonderful dogs, and find new avenues of community support.
Join Our Walking Program
Participate in our dog walking program. Spend quality time outdoors, form bonds with our dogs, and meet fellow DogsCBR members in a supportive community setting.
Foster or Adopt
If you see a dog you resonate with, contact us directly. We’ll see if we can help facilitate the fostering or adoption processes, and see how we can support you in the initial set up.