Man's best friend as therapy: dog training program tested for Veterans' PTSD

NCT ID NCT07542431

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Florida Atlantic University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study is testing whether adopting and training a shelter dog can reduce PTSD symptoms and improve mental health in veterans. 120 veterans with self-reported PTSD or other mental health conditions will attend eight one-hour dog training sessions over 10 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in PTSD symptoms, stress, and brain activity before and after the program.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: dog adoption and training program
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-drug, animal-assisted approach to ease PTSD and related mental health symptoms in veterans.
What could go wrong: This is a small, single-arm study with no placebo group, so results may be due to other factors. It also requires adopting a dog, which may not suit everyone.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS SYMPTOMS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Florida Atlantic University
RECRUITING

Boca Raton, Florida, 33431, United States

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