• Psychiatric Assistance Dog pilot launched to improve veterans' mental health
• The two-year program will train four puppies and pair them with ex-service members 
• WA-first project will establish a local psychiatric assistance dog provider funded through a $430,000 ANZAC Day Trust grant

A new State Government program will give veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) a "helping hound".

The Psychiatric Assistance Dog Pilot, which is the first program of its kind in Western Australia, will see the Returned and Services League of Western Australia (RSLWA) partner four veterans with trained assistance dogs to improve their mental health outcomes.

It's estimated eighteen per cent of former Australian Defence Force personnel suffer from PTSD.

National research conducted by the Department of Veterans' Affairs shows ex-service members with assistance dogs felt less stress, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, depression, anger and insomnia.

They were also less likely to experience isolation and self-judgement, and more likely to benefit from enhanced self-compassion.

Canine carers will undergo 12 months training through Kaizen K9, a Perth-based business with 25 years' experience instructing police and military dogs. The course will teach the dogs to identify PTSD symptoms and how best to care for their companion.

Once paired with a pet, the veteran's wellbeing will be monitored through monthly evaluations conducted by consulting psychiatrist Dr Richard Magtengaard over a one-year period. 

The program will establish a WA provider of psychiatric assistance dogs and has been made possible thanks to a $430,000 Cook Labor Government investment, distributed by the ANZAC Day Trust.

Comments attributed to Veterans Issues Minister Paul Papalia:

"Military personnel make a wide range of sacrifices to protect our country, and the impacts of that service can continue long after a veteran's career has ended.

"Psychiatric assistance dogs have proven benefits for people who confront military-related trauma such as PTSD.

"Establishing a local provider will make assistance dogs more accessible for WA veterans as they won't be forced to rely on programs based in the eastern states.

"As a veteran myself, I'm proud to be part of the Labor Government which is establishing a program that could improve the lives of so many veterans in our State."

Comments attributed to RSLWA Chief Executive Officer Vince Connelly:

"The pilot program will involve four veterans being paired with trained assistance dogs and build a capability which does not currently exist in WA.

"We are beyond excited about the program, and so grateful that we have this opportunity which will improve the lives of veterans in WA experiencing PTSD."