How it works

What is a PTSD

Service Dog?

They are our lungs. Without them, we cannot breathe. They fill our bodies full of hope and dreams, expelling the darkness that has kept us down and locked away in our own prisons for so long. They are our hearts. Pumping energy, life and joy back into bodies which have been shells of people who are barely recognizable. They, are our moral compass. Without them, our reactions can be so extreme, so unacceptable, so unpredictable, sometimes we scare ourselves. They keep us safe when we are out. Not trained to protect, but intuitive enough to know when we feel overwhelmed or ready to strike, it’s time to take this human home. They are the world’s cutest babysitter, and no-one knows, other than us. They are our confidants, therapists, aides and playmates. To give them the title of our Best Friend would be a dishonor. They are part of us. We are a team. Trained to do tasks, that others do not see. They are Medical devices, without them, we cannot survive. We are ONE!

Cindy Weir Handler & K9 Gracie
Qualifications of a PTSD Service Dog:
All VEC Service dogs:
  • Have comprehensive and certified training skills
  • Have met mandatory performance levels
  • Are certified capable and competent. with skill levels/behaviours set a top level standard.

Do I Qualify

Each of the following criteria must be met for you to qualify for this program:

  • You are a Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces who was honorably released.
  • You are under the care of a mental health professional and are currently in treatment.
  • You have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress, and have been prescribed the use of a Service Dog by your Mental Health professional.
  • You able to take care of Service Dog both physically and financially. 

The Steps

  • See if you fit the criteria to qualify to apply.
  • If so, fill out the application with the necessary paperwork required, and email it in.
  • INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED.
  • You will be contacted by phone, once your application has been vetted.
  • There will be a minimum of one more phone and one video interview with our Partners Baden K9.
  • At this point, Baden K9 will take over the selection, pairing and training process.

We know 1st hand the changes a Service Dog will make in a Veteran’s life. Baden K9 is a world renown for the quality and training of their dogs.

A Service Dog is a huge responsibility. This animal is with you 24/7, 365 days a year, no exception. There are 50 years, 3 generations of breeding and training philosophies that have gone into these incredible dogs. We owe it to our Partners, their families and their trainers to be the best Ambassadors and Handlers for the gift of freedom they will give our Veterans!

Most importantly it is both for the safety of the Veteran and our dogs that the pairing process is done wisely.  It is for this reason, not all who apply will receive a Service Dog from our program.

Apply Today!

To apply, please email the following three documents to info@veteranselitecanines.ca

1. A letter from your qualified Care provider, stating your need for a Service Dog;

2. A copy of your service record (490A or MPRR); and

3. A completed copy of the form attached below.

Apply Now

Download the Application