Service Dog Benefits

A service dog can change a veteran’s daily life, but the rules are often misunderstood. VA doesn’t provide the dog itself. If you qualify, VA can pay for your dog’s vet insurance, needed gear like a harness, and travel to get the dog from an accredited program. Your dog doesn’t need VA approval, a vest or a certificate to be a service dog. If it’s trained to do tasks for your disability, it’s a service dog under the ADA.

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This page covers:

• the difference between service dogs, emotional support animals and therapy dogs

• who qualifies for VA’s service dog benefit, including PTSD-related mobility dogs

• how to talk to your VA provider, and what VA covers and what you pay

• options if you already have a dog or don’t qualify, including VA’s PAWS program and possible tax deductions

• your rights in public places, on VA property, in housing, on flights and at work

• how to avoid service dog scams

• the SAVES Act and how to contact Congress

• real-world examples and links to official sources

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Download the free Service Dog Checklist to track each step, record your dog’s tasks and training, and keep your key contacts in one place.

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Veterans Claims Education provides education only and does not assist with or file claims, and does not provide, place, train or certify service dogs.