Public Perception of Veterans with PTSD Using Assistance Dogs

Abstract

This study examined U.S. resident’s perception of veterans with PTSD using a service dog, psychiatric service dog, or an emotional support dog. An anonymous online survey was distributed through Qualtrics to examine the perceptions of U.S. adults who do not own a service dog, psychiatric service dog, or an emotional support dog. A total of 169 individuals responded to the online survey, yielding 122 usable responses. Results suggest widespread misconceptions about definitions and rights associated with assistance dogs. Although participants were not familiar with definitions, including qualifications of each assistance dog, or rights associated with assistance dogs, a large number of participants agreed with veterans using all 3 forms of assistance dogs.