Veteran Information
Service Dogs UK supports Armed Forces & Blue Light Veterans living with service-related PTSD through a structured programme that pairs participants with specially trained assistance dogs.
This page explains who the programme is for, how to apply, and where you can find additional support, guidance and helplines.
Types of Veterans we Accept
We currently accept applications open to members/Veterans who have served or are serving in HM Armed Forces & Emergency Services including:
Our Hubs
We currently have three SDUK Hubs within England. Therefore, we can only take on Veterans who are based/living in West Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire OR are based/living in Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset & Devon OR are based/living in Essex and surrounding counties.
Veteran Helplines & Immediate Support
If you need support, confidential help is available. The helplines below provide support for Veterans and their families, including emotional support, mental health services, and practical advice. Many services are available 24 hours a day.
Is this programme right for me?
The Service Dogs UK programme is designed for Veterans of the Armed Forces and Blue Light Services who are living with service-related PTSD and are ready to take part in a structured training programme alongside an assistance dog. This programme may be right for you if you:
- Are a UK Armed Forces or Blue Light Veteran
- Have a formal diagnosis of PTSD
- Are registered with a GP and, where appropriate, receiving professional support
- Feel ready to engage in a structured training programme
- Are willing to commit time, effort and consistency to working with a service dog
- Want to build confidence, independence and daily coping strategies
Our programme involves active participation, including training sessions, working with your dog regularly, and applying the skills you learn in everyday life.
It may not be the right time if:
- You are currently in acute crisis or your mental health is unstable
- You are unable to commit to regular training and ongoing responsibility for a dog
- Your living situation does not currently allow for dog ownership
- You are seeking a fully trained dog without taking part in the training process
If you’re unsure, that’s completely okay. Many applicants feel uncertain at first.
We encourage you to contact us to talk through your circumstances before applying — we can help you decide whether the programme is a good fit now, or whether it may be better at a later stage.
