In a promising move to support the mental health and well-being of America’s heroes, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act (SAVES Act) — a bill that could change the lives of thousands of veterans nationwide.
The proposed legislation would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to award grants to nonprofit organizations that provide trained service dogs to veterans in need. The aim is simple but powerful: to ensure that eligible veterans can receive a service dog at no cost, helping them cope with the invisible wounds of war, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
A Lifesaving Partnership
For many veterans, transitioning from active duty to civilian life comes with significant emotional and psychological challenges. Studies have shown that service dogs can reduce symptoms of PTSD, improve daily functioning, and lower suicide risk. However, the cost of acquiring and training a service dog can be prohibitively expensive — often ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 — and not currently covered by the VA for mental health conditions alone.
The SAVES Act is designed to bridge that gap by empowering nonprofits already doing the work to match veterans with life-changing companions. With VA grant funding, these organizations can expand their reach and provide more veterans with the support they need and deserve.
A Bipartisan Effort
One of the most encouraging aspects of the SAVES Act is its broad bipartisan support. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are uniting around a shared commitment to tackling the mental health crisis facing our veteran community. With more than 17 veterans dying by suicide every day in the United States, advocates say urgent action is needed.
“This isn’t about politics — it’s about doing the right thing,” one sponsor of the bill noted. “If a service dog can save a veteran’s life, we should be doing everything in our power to make that happen.”
What’s Next?
The bill is currently gaining momentum in Congress, and supporters are urging citizens to contact their representatives and voice their support. If passed, the SAVES Act would not only improve the quality of life for veterans struggling with PTSD and related conditions, but also affirm a national promise to care for those who have served.
For organizations like Patriot Services, and others serving the veteran community, this legislation could open new doors for collaboration and outreach — ensuring that no veteran has to walk alone in their battle for healing.
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