Severe Shortage of Service Dogs Leaves Israeli Veterans with PTSD Waiting for Critical Support
L, a reserve combat officer recognized by the Israeli Ministry of Defense as suffering from post-trauma, is currently awaiting a medical committee to determine his disability percentage. One of his major challenges is the delay in adopting a service dog, which he says would greatly help him manage daily difficulties caused by his war injury. He explained to ynet that a service dog is crucial for his rehabilitation, helping him get out of bed, perform daily tasks, and leave the house, activities he struggles with due to his condition.
L has been waiting for a committee meeting for over a month and a half, despite promises that the committee would convene twice a month. The process requires a social worker's assessment and approval by a regional committee that allocates service dogs based on availability and eligibility, which requires a minimum 20% disability rating. Currently, L is exempt from reserve duty due to his mental health.
He described the profound impact of a service dog on someone with PTSD, noting the dog's calming presence during anxiety attacks and its role in encouraging daily routines and social interaction. The dog also helps make his invisible disability more visible to others, improving social understanding and treatment.
Dr. Retem Sivan, founder of "Awake Mother" and a physician, sharply criticized the Rehabilitation Department for neglecting wounded soldiers’ mental health needs. She condemned the bureaucratic paralysis and called for immediate action to convene the committee, emphasizing that service dogs are lifesaving aids, not luxuries.
The Ministry of Defense's Rehabilitation Department attributed the delay to a shortage of trained service dogs, which take about 18 months to train. They operate four training centers and recently issued a call to expand these centers to reduce waiting times. Currently, about 470 patients use service dogs, with 300 more waiting for their dogs to complete training. The department pledged to continue efforts to provide this essential support to injured veterans.
