Devon charity urgently seeking puppy socialisers to help train life-changing assistance dogs for veterans

Dog lovers across Devon are being urged to volunteer their homes to raise puppies that will go on to support veterans living with PTSD and other mental health challenges.

A Devon-based charity supporting Armed Forces veterans is urgently appealing for more volunteer puppy socialisers to help raise the next generation of life-changing assistance dogs.

Veterans With Dogs, based near Exeter, trains assistance dogs to support veterans living with complex mental health challenges including PTSD, anxiety and depression. The charity says demand for its support continues to grow, but the number of puppies available for training depends on volunteers willing to provide a home during the dog’s early development.

Puppy socialisers play a crucial role in the first stage of each assistance dog’s journey. Volunteers welcome a puppy into their home and help introduce them to everyday experiences such as walks, shops, cafés, car journeys and public transport. These early experiences help build the confidence, calm behaviour and social skills the dog will need before progressing to specialist training.

Hilary, Veterans With Dogs Puppy Socialiser said:

“When I heard about the impact one of these dogs had for a veteran and their family – including a child saying they felt like they had their Dad back, I knew I wanted to be involved. Being a puppy socialiser means you’re helping create that kind of life-changing partnership.”

Once fully socialised, the dogs are partnered with veterans and are able to recognise signs of distress, interrupt anxiety or panic episodes, provide grounding support, and help their partner rebuild independence and confidence in daily life.

Veterans With Dogs says the role of puppy socialisers is essential to making these partnerships possible.

Sally Williams, Army Veteran and Chair of Trustees at Veterans With Dogs, said:

“Every assistance dog begins with a volunteer. Puppy socialisers play an incredibly important role in helping these dogs grow into calm, confident companions who will go on to support veterans facing very real mental health challenges.

“By opening their home to a puppy and helping them experience everyday life, our volunteers are laying the foundations for a partnership that can truly transform a veteran’s life.”

“We’ve currently got funding from some generous organisations but without vital puppy socialisers, we cannot bring a new puppy into our training programme. We desperately need more puppy socialisers!”

The charity provides full guidance and support for volunteers throughout the process. Veterinary care and training support are covered by the charity, and volunteers are supported by the experienced training team as the puppy develops.

The role can also be hugely rewarding for volunteers.

Becky Aggett, Dog Trainer and Behaviourist at Veterans With Dogs said:

“Many of our volunteers say it’s one of the most meaningful things they’ve ever done. Watching a puppy grow in confidence and knowing that the work you’ve done will one day help a veteran rebuild their life is incredibly special.”

With more veterans currently waiting for support, the charity is keen to hear from people across Devon who may be interested in becoming puppy socialisers.

Caroline, Veterans With Dogs Puppy Socialiser said:

“It’s always hard to say goodbye to a puppy you’ve raised, but knowing they’re going on to support a veteran who really needs them makes it worthwhile. You realise you’ve been part of something that can genuinely change someone’s life.”

Anyone interested in finding out more can contact Veterans With Dogs through the charity’s website.