About

PetsLoyal2Vets is a Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofit community based outreach organization also known as PL2VETS. The organization recognizes the emotional bond and therapeutic value of the human-animal relationship and its incredible emotional and psychological benefits incorporated into the healing process.

PL2VETS Mission Statement:

Our mission is to connect US Military Veterans in Minnesota diagnosed and treated for PTSD, TBI or physical assault traumas with well trained and certified companion, therapy and psychiatric service dogs at no cost to the veteran.

It's estimated that 1 in 5 veterans out of 1.2 million returning home will have some form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) leading to an epidemic of service connected suicides. PetsLoyal2Vets programs do not replace traditional methodologies or treatments, but rather complements them as an adjunct to conventional ongoing therapy and rehabilitation.

Veteran candidates enrolled in our programs can be active duty, reservists, inactive reserve, veteran, retired, disabled and from any US Military branch throughout Minnesota. Our programs are designed to meet the needs of both men and women veterans and is not limited to any specific campaign, conflict or minimum disability rating.

Qualifying U.S. military veterans in Minnesota and Pierce or St. Croix Counties in Western Wisconsin diagnosed with PTSD or TBI can apply for a candidate dog so long as they meet the minimum care, shelter requirements and their VA Doctors find a highly trained dog would be necessary for their ongoing well-being. And, because PTSD can effect entire families, careers and relationships, we feel offering a highly trained dog into the healing and recovery process can be very therapeutic and lead to a strengthened emotional well-being.

It has been proven that well-trained companion/therapy or Psychiatric Service Dogs have a distinct calming effect on humans which helps open up stronger communication channels, family support, emotional well-being and a more enjoyable life. If we can adopt a well-trained dog to qualifying veterans, we can help ease the pain associated with depression, anxiety, or attempts to inflict self harm and increase their quality of life.

These dogs are not meant to replace any professional care provided through  VA Medical Center providers, but rather to offer veterans suffering from prolonged PTSD or TBI symptoms an alternative to loneliness, a companion to talk and share their feelings with or help with service needs after they leave the health care system. A dog trained to spot depression, mood swings, anxiety attacks and lapses in memory can step in and create a task interference to that symptom to distract or help remind the veteran.

Memory lapses from IED concussions or blunt force traumas to the head can be especially difficult when it comes to daily reminders. A PSD dog can remind the vet of specific medication times or tasks that they are supposed to do.

This is a specialized program developed exclusively for veterans with PTSD, TBI injuries and physical assault traumas who have completed VA Medical Center treatments and find that a well-trained dog will aid them in their daily routines and psychological well-being.  It is not to be mistaken as a universal remedy or replacement of traditional professional VA Medical Center services but rather an ongoing therapeutic association to help improve a service member's quality of life.

PL2VETS Vision Statement

To provide ongoing services related to connecting veterans diagnosed and treated for PTSD and TBI with companion and therapy dogs and to grow the organization to chapters throughout Minnesota. Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and on PRLog.