P.A.W.S. for Patriots is a program by the Fort Worth Animal Care and Control Department that aims to connect veterans with shelter dogs to help them thrive together.
“Many veterans face significant challenges during their transition back to civilian life, including stress, anxiety and depression,” FWACC wrote in a statement announcing the project. “The P.A.W.S. for Patriots program aims to provide therapeutic volunteer opportunities for veterans that not only enhance their emotional well-being but also improve the lives of shelter animals in need.”
The shelter will host a P.A.W.S. for Patriots special event on November 16 from noon to 5 p.m. at the North Animal Campus, 350 Hillshire Drive, Fort Worth.
The event will feature a vaccine clinic, and attendees will receive gift bags for their dogs. Participants are encouraged to bring their dogs to this family-friendly event.
A study published in 2020 by a group of researchers led by Cheryl Krause-Parello found that weekly dog walking sessions by veterans with PTSD found physiological benefits such as reduced heart rate variability and psychological benefits depending on the severity and particular symptoms of the disorder.
A more recent study conducted in 2023 found additional evidence of the benefits of partnering veterans with dogs. According to the research, veterans who had limited mobility were found to be more active, walking further and more regularly when paired with a pet. The veterans involved in the study also reported a sense of companionship after being partnered with the dogs for three months.
Events such as P.A.W.S. for Patriots can help encourage the adoption of dogs to reduce the population of pets at Fort Worth’s chronically overcrowded shelter. A recent PowerPoint presentation by FTACC indicates that the city owns a shelter with 372 kennels and a separate facility, the Chuck and Brenda Silcox shelter, which provides an additional 638 cages and kennels.