Support first responders living with PTSD.
K9s 4 Valour's purpose has been to help first responders live productive lives by raising awareness of PTSD, promoting assistance dogs and improving understanding of service-dog standards.
Awareness
Make trauma easier to talk about.
PTSD can affect sleep, memory, concentration, relationships and a person's sense of safety. For first responders, stigma and a culture of pushing through can make it harder to ask for help.
K9s 4 Valour has worked to raise awareness of the symptoms of PTSD and the importance of early support, family understanding and professional care.
“Awareness is the first step toward practical support.”
K9s 4 Valour founding purpose
Assistance dogs
Practical support, not a pet.
A PTSD assistance dog is trained to perform tasks that help a recipient manage symptoms, interrupt distress, create space in public and rebuild confidence in everyday life.
K9s 4 Valour promoted the benefits of these dogs and the need for quality training and assessment so recipients can rely on consistent standards.
Standards
Better regulation protects everyone.
K9s 4 Valour advocated for stronger Victorian regulation covering assistance-dog training, assessment and public awareness. Clear standards help first responders, dog trainers, businesses and the wider public understand what a legitimate service dog is trained to do.