Abstract
The purpose of this research was to identify perceived outcomes that examine the effectiveness of a psychiatric service animal with veterans diagnosed with PTSD. This qualitative content analysis study explores veterans’, diagnosed with PTSD, perspectives on the perceived benefits of having a psychiatric service animal. Utilizing a qualitative questionnaire to interview twelve veterans with PTSD that participated in the PTSD service dog training at Capital City, K9 in Sacramento, CA. Three themes emerged when interviewing the veterans with PTSD that participated in the training: significant improvement in quality of life, decrease in isolative behaviors, and an increase in social skills. Implications for social work practice and policy were also discussed.