Dog adoption and professional training program for veterans with PTSD symptoms
Official title: Assessment of Biopsychosocial Indicators Linked to Canine Intervention Treatment Response in Veterans With Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms and/or Other Mental Health Conditions
Run by Florida Atlantic University · NCT07542431 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program will try pairing veterans who report PTSD symptoms with a shelter dog and professional training to see if it reduces symptoms, lowers stress, and improves mental and biological health.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Florida Atlantic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boca Raton, Florida) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 9, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 2030 |
| Study ends | December 2030 |
| Registry record updated | April 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07542431 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Veterans over 18 with self-reported posttraumatic stress symptoms or other mental health conditions who have been approved to adopt a shelter dog through the Humane Society of Broward County and can attend training sessions and study visits are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Veterans who are not approved to adopt a shelter dog, who have a fear of dogs, allergies to pet dander, or uncorrected hearing or visual impairments are unlikely to benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-arm study enrolls veterans with self-reported posttraumatic stress symptoms or other mental health conditions who have been approved to adopt a shelter dog through the Humane Society of Broward County. Participants attend eight one-hour professional dog training sessions over a 10-week period and complete four clinical research visits for data collection. Outcomes include changes in PTSD symptoms, stress and psychosocial health, inflammatory markers, oxytocin levels, and brain structure and resting-state function. The study requires English fluency, home internet access, and excludes those with fear of dogs, pet dander allergies, or uncorrected hearing or vision impairment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce PTSD symptoms and stress while improving psychosocial well-being and related biological measures in participating veterans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on companion and service dog interventions for PTSD has shown mixed results, with some studies reporting improvements in symptoms and quality of life but inconsistent findings on physiological and neuroimaging measures.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Military veteran with self-reported posttraumatic stress symptoms and/or other mental health conditions * Over 18 years of age * Applied and approved to adopt a shelter dog for training through the Humane Society of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, Florida * English speaker (written and spoken) * Home internet access via tablet, computer or smartphone. Exclusion Criteria: * Fear of dogs * Allergies to pet dander * Uncorrected hearing or visual impairment.
Where it's running
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Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, Florida, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Beth A Pratt, PhD — Florida Atlantic University
- Study coordinator: Beth A Pratt, PhD
- Email: bpratt4@health.fau.edu
- Phone: 561-297-4912
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.