Veterans can meet pups as part of a new initiative. Photo: Dogs Canberra Limited.
A program to place more shelter dogs in new homes is expanding to provide additional support to veterans.
Dogs Canberra Limited has received a government grant, which managing director Michael Matheson-Deng says will enable them to introduce a new program focused on Canberra’s veterans.
“Many veterans that I’ve known, and I’ve worked with, have experienced isolation, PTSD, traumas and anxiety,” Michael says.
“We felt that what we did with dogs [in] structured animal companionship could also be really useful and offer great therapeutic value for veterans as well.”
Dogs Canberra Limited launched in 2023 and rehabilitates dogs in what it calls an ‘open-shelter model’.
They work to take dogs out of a shelter environment and run programs where people can walk, play, or foster them in the community.
Once people (and the dogs) are involved in their programs, Michael says the goal is finding a partnership that “matches perfectly”.
Veterans can get involved by attending Dogs Canberra events or by reaching out to participate in their walking or fostering programs.
“We’ll have a good time, and we can match them there. Hopefully, a few of them will bond with each other,” he says.
“We can go slow and see if a foster works … then maybe we can look into adoption.”
Michael says the program will benefit both dogs and veterans. Photo: Dogs Canberra Limited.
The second stream is what he calls “matching a dog with a veteran” – bringing dogs to places like community events and RSL clubs so they can make friends.
“We want to make it a safe place [where] veterans can come. Perhaps they can have a tea or a coffee and a sausage sizzle, and then meet our dogs and see how they get along with them.
“[They can then] see if that companionship, that connection, is right for them.”
The government funding covers a year of the program, although Michael hopes it will be extended.
“We’ve talked to a few of the services clubs around Canberra [and] veteran support groups,” he says.
“A lot of them have shown a lot of interest in what we do … and a lot of them have said that they would love for it to run for longer than a year.
“If it is scalable, if we can create a model that does work and can and sustain itself for that long, then we’d be more than happy to see it keep going.”
Dogs Canberra was one of the recipients of the 2024/25 round of the ACT Veterans Grant Program, which saw $80,000 awarded to local organisations.
ACT Minister for Seniors and Veterans Suzanne Orr says the program is intended to support innovative projects.
“Our veterans and their families have given so much in service to our country. These grants are a way for the ACT Government to support their wellbeing, community connection and recognition,” she says.
“This year’s recipients are delivering thoughtful, creative projects that bring people together, whether it’s through music, sport, nature, or hands-on skills, and I’m proud to support them.”
To learn more, visit Dogs Canberra.
If this story has raised any concerns for you, you can contact Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line on 13 11 14. Support for veterans is also available through Open Arms on 1800 011 046.
