Fast Facts
Service dogs are welcome at VA facilities.
VA policy permits trained service dogs to accompany individuals with disabilities on VA property when under control of the handler.
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are not service animals.
ESAs are not allowed inside VA health care facilities under VA regulations. They do not have the same public access rights as service animals.
VA may provide a Veterinary Health Insurance Benefit.
For eligible Veterans prescribed a service dog, VA can provide a service dog veterinary health insurance policy and certain travel reimbursements to obtain or replace the dog.
Definitions: Service Animal vs. ESA vs. Therapy Animal
Service Animal (VA/38 CFR §1.218(a)(11))
- Only dogs are recognized as service animals for VA property access.
- Individually trained to do work or perform tasks directly related to a handler’s disability (physical, sensory, or mental).
- Must be under the handler’s control at all times (leash, harness, or voice control).
Service Dog (38 CFR §17.148)
- Used by VA’s clinical benefits rule to determine eligibility for the Service Dog Veterinary Health Insurance Benefit and related support.
- Generally applies when a VA clinical team prescribes a dog to address a visual, hearing, or substantial mobility impairment. (See eligibility below.)
Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
- Provides comfort through presence; not task‑trained.
- No public access rights under VA facility rules; generally allowed in housing under separate laws (e.g., Fair Housing Act), not addressed here.
Therapy/Facility Dogs
- Brought to facilities to comfort groups; they do not have individual public access rights like service animals.
Access to VA Property
Under VA regulation 38 CFR §1.218(a)(11), service animals (dogs trained for disability-related tasks) are permitted on VA property with their handlers. VA staff may ask only two limited questions: whether the dog is required because of a disability and what work or task the dog has been trained to perform; staff cannot require IDs or demanding demonstrations. Handlers must keep the animal under control and housebroken; disruptive or unsafe animals may be asked to leave.
Important: Emotional Support Animals are not permitted in VA health care facilities. Confirm local facility rules before visiting.
VA Benefits for Service Dogs
Through VA’s Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service (PSAS), eligible Veterans who are prescribed a service dog may receive:
- Service Dog Veterinary Health Insurance Benefit (VHIB): A policy that covers medically necessary veterinary care for the working service dog, including preventive, routine, urgent, and emergency treatment as authorized by VA.
- Hardware & Supplies: Clinically required equipment (e.g., harnesses) necessary for the dog to perform trained tasks.
- Travel Pay: Reimbursement of travel expenses associated with obtaining or replacing the dog once prescribed by a VA clinical team, processed similarly to 38 U.S.C. §111/38 CFR Part 70 rules.
The VA benefit supports the care and use of the dog; VA generally does not purchase or provide the dog itself. Veterans typically work with ADI or IGDF accredited providers.
Eligibility (38 CFR §17.148 — Service Dogs)
VA provides benefits under §17.148 when all of the following are true:
- The Veteran has a diagnosed visual, hearing, or substantial mobility impairment (as determined by a VA clinical team).
- The VA clinical team determines that a trained service dog is the optimal aid for independence and function. If another option (technology, therapy) can provide the same independence, VA will not authorize the benefit.
- The dog must maintain its ability to function as a service dog; if the dog can no longer work or if the clinical need changes, benefits can be discontinued following notice.
Separate VA and federal programs (e.g., PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act) involve canine training therapy pilots for PTSD; these are distinct from §17.148 benefits and have different criteria.
How to Apply / Get Started
1) Talk to Your VA Provider
Discuss your disability‑related goals (vision, hearing, mobility) and why a service dog may be optimal. Your care team can initiate a consult to PSAS.
- Bring documentation of your functional limitations and prior assistive tech trials (e.g., cane, wheelchair, low‑vision devices).
- Be ready to discuss your ability and support system to care for a working dog (daily exercise, grooming, vet visits, travel).
2) PSAS Evaluation & Prescription
PSAS reviews clinical need and, if appropriate, issues a service dog prescription and coordinates the Veterinary Health Insurance Benefit and equipment authorizations.
3) Select an Accredited Program
VA commonly recognizes dogs trained by ADI or IGDF accredited organizations. Programs help with matching, handler training, and transition.
4) Travel Pay & Ongoing Care
Once prescribed, you may claim travel reimbursement to obtain or replace the dog. After placement, the VA‑provided insurance policy helps cover approved veterinary care so your dog can safely work.
Costs: What VA Covers vs. What You Cover
Generally Covered by VA (when eligible)
- Veterinary Health Insurance Policy for medically necessary care of the working dog.
- Clinically required task‑related hardware (e.g., harness, replacement parts) and repairs.
- Travel pay to obtain/replace the prescribed service dog.
Generally Not Covered by VA
- Purchase price of the dog or general training costs (most nonprofits place dogs at no cost to Veterans, but availability varies).
- Non‑medical, non‑task accessories (toys, general pet items).
- Care for animals not prescribed or that no longer function as service dogs.
Note: Exact authorizations are case‑by‑case. Your PSAS team will specify what’s covered under your authorization and the policy terms in effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are psychiatric service dogs covered?
For facility access, psychiatric service dogs are "service animals" if they are dogs trained to perform disability‑related tasks. For the §17.148 clinical benefit, eligibility focuses on visual, hearing, or substantial mobility impairments. Separate programs created by the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act provide canine training therapy pilots for PTSD and are administered differently.
Can staff demand certification, vests, or ID cards?
No. Staff may not require special IDs or training documents as a condition of entry. They may ask whether the dog is a service animal required because of a disability and what task(s) it performs. Disruptive or uncontrolled animals can be excluded.
Are ESAs allowed at my VA appointment?
No. ESAs are not service animals under VA rules and are generally not permitted inside VA health care facilities. Check local guidance for any narrow exceptions outside patient care areas.
Do I have to use an accredited organization?
VA commonly works with ADI/IGDF‑accredited providers. Using accredited programs helps ensure task training, placement quality, and support that align with VA policy.
What if my dog can’t work anymore?
If the dog can’t maintain its role, VA may discontinue benefits after notice. Your PSAS team can advise on replacement pathways and travel pay for obtaining a replacement, when clinically appropriate.
Official Resources & References
VA Regulations & Policy
- VA Facility Access Rule — 38 CFR §1.218(a)(11)
- Clinical Benefits Rule (Service Dogs) — 38 CFR §17.148
- VHA Directive: Animals on VHA Property — VHA Dir 1188(1)
Benefits & How‑To
- Service Dog Veterinary Health Insurance Benefit (PSAS) — VA PSAS Program Page
- VA Facility Examples — VA Palo Alto · Tampa VA · VA Saginaw
Related Laws & Programs
- Federal Register Rule — Animals on VA Property (2015)
- PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act — Implementation Notice · H.R.1448
- Accreditation Bodies — Assistance Dogs International (ADI) · International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF)
This page summarizes public VA sources for convenience and is not legal advice. Policies can change; consult your VA clinical team and the linked official pages for current requirements.