Actively Recruiting
Assessment of Biopsychosocial Indicators Linked to Canine Intervention Treatment Response in Veterans With Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms and/or Other Mental Health Conditions
Led by Florida Atlantic University · Updated on 2026-04-24
120
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research investigates whether a dog adoption and training program can help veterans with self-reported posttraumatic stress symptoms and other mental health conditions. The study aims to find out if this program reduces posttraumatic stress symptoms, lowers stress levels, improves psychosocial health, and affects biological markers such as inflammation and brain function in these veterans. Participants will take part in eight one-hour professional dog training sessions over 8 to 10 weeks. The study uses a within-subjects design, meaning each participant serves as their own comparison group. Participants will adopt a shelter dog approved through the Humane Society of Broward County and engage in the training program as the main intervention. During the study, veterans will visit the clinical research unit four times for data collection, including assessments of posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression, anxiety, stress, sleep disturbances, loneliness, and substance use. Researchers will also measure biological factors like salivary oxytocin and inflammatory markers before and after the intervention. The primary outcome is the change in posttraumatic stress symptoms from enrollment to four weeks after the training program ends.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Impact of Dog Adoption and Training in Veterans With Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms and/or Other Mental Health Conditions
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Military veteran with self-reported posttraumatic stress symptoms and/or other mental health conditions
- Over 18 years of age
- Applied and approved to adopt a shelter dog for training through the Humane Society of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- English speaker (written and spoken)
- Home internet access via tablet, computer or smartphone.
You will not qualify if you...
- Fear of dogs
- Allergies to pet dander
- Uncorrected hearing or visual impairment
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or remote)
Duration - 8 to 10 weeks
Participants undergo eight, one-hour professional dog training sessions over 8 to 10 weeks.
8 sessions (in-person)
Duration - 4 weeks
Participants are monitored for changes in mental health and biological indicators for 4 weeks after the dog training sessions.
1 follow-up visit (remote or in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, Florida, United States, 33431
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
B
Beth A Pratt, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
1
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