About us
What are we doing
As a benevolent non-profit organization, our focus lies in the rescue, rehabilitation, and training of displaced and abandoned dogs. Our mission is to provide aid and companionship to Australia’s brave first responders – including fire, police, and ambulance services – as well as personnel from the Australian Defence Force. These individuals often grapple with the invisible wounds of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and our aim is to alleviate their pain and foster healing through the companionship of our specially trained dogs.
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Want to help
We're a dedicated pack
We are more than just a team; we are a family of passionate advocates, selfless volunteers, and steadfast supporters, united by our common love for both people and animals. Our hearts are deeply committed to the mission of rescuing, rehoming, and training dogs that have been displaced or neglected. We pour our souls into this endeavor, driven by the belief that every dog deserves a second chance and every human deserves a loyal companion. Together, we are transforming lives, one rescue dog at a time.
Beautiful Boy Blue
- Border Collie
Blue spent some months with a full time foster where he was nurtured while learning the basics of training and home behaviours. He was well socialised with the family and especially loved the beach and ball time.
Blue wants to please his handler and be close to them always. He is very smart, learns quickly and is eager to engage in his learnt skills. But he still loves to be a dog, running and playing as all dogs should. He is maturing into a well balanced and loving Assistance Dog, still a bit goofy at times but with the best intentions at heart.
Lulu
- Standard Poodle
Lulu and her sister were surrendered to the Bundaberg Pound at 10 months of age. Red Collar Rescue collected the girls and felt that Lulu may have the potential to be trained as an Assistance Dog. Red Collar placed both the girls into a foster home and had vet work completed which included desexing and vaccinations.
Buddy Jnr
- Labrador Retriever
Buddy Jnr was kindly donated to PTSD dogs from a reputable breeder. He is now with a full time foster and is going ahead leaps and bounds in his training. With lots of socialising and environmental exposure daily, Buddy is pretty much bombproof in the outside world. Nothing phases him as he goes through the training program – we tend to forget he is only a youngster, due his smarts and his size! Buddy Jnr is a loveable, cuddly big bear of a dog with great home manners and is showing all the attributes of a well adjusted Assistance Dog.
Events
Upcoming events
10
Oct
PTSD Face-Off
2026 registrations open soon
World Mental Health Day
PTSD Face-off — (Shave 2 Save)
5:30pm – Till Late
- 10 Oct each year
Stories
Stories of hope
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"You never walk alone when you have a trained PTSD Assistance Dog by your side. PTSD Assistance Dogs are gentle, intuitive and full of unconditional love."
Return Veteran & PTSD Dogs Supporter
Find help now
Are you a veteran or first responder with PTSD? We’d love to help you change your life for the better with the love and support of a fully trained and certified assistance dog.
Please fill in our simple online application form and we will contact you to assist.
Assistance or Service dogs are working animals that are specially trained to help people who are living with disabilities do everyday tasks and activities so they become more independent.
Most people are familiar with Guide Dogs used to assist people with sight disorders to navigate the world around them in safety, however there are many other types of Assistance dogs that can be trained.
Therapy dogs are very similar to Assistance dogs and undergo the same training program however they are not required to perform the tasks that Assistance dogs are. Unlike an Assistance dog who is trained to assist their handler by performing certain tasks, Therapy dogs are trained to provide affection, comfort and support all kinds of people, not just their handlers.
At PTSD Dogs we understand that everyones journey is different. Are you in need of an assistance dog but want to be a part of the training process? We offer the unique opportunity to suitable candidates to train their very own assistance dog.