The federal government has announced a two million dollar trial of assistance dogs as a supplement to clinical treatment for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Darren Chester said unlike companion dogs, assistance dogs are specially trained to perform takes that aid in clinical recovery.
La Trobe University will undertake the trial in early 2019 and will match the temperament of a dog or puppy with a participant with the hopes of permanent placement.
“We expect this project to make a meaningful difference to the lives of our veterans,” said Deputy Vice-Chancellor Keith Nugent.