Many veterans that need help face challenges with health, finances, housing and mental health. Accessing the right support can be difficult, making it harder to transition to civilian life. A range of assistance is available through DVA programs, financial aid, medical care and aged care services. Understanding these resources ensures veterans and their families can access the help they need.

For many veterans, an assistance dog can be life-changing—providing vital support for mobility, hearing, vision, or mental health conditions like PTSD. However, navigating the DVA assistance dogs process can be challenging, with strict eligibility criteria, lengthy approvals, and limited availability. Understanding how these highly trained dogs are funded, who qualifies, and what support is available can make all the difference in securing the right assistance. This guide breaks down everything veterans need to know to confidently access a DVA-funded assistance dog.

The DVA Veterans MATES program supports veterans and their carers by focusing on medication safety and education. It provides tailored advice, educational resources, and collaborative tools for health professionals to address the unique needs of the veteran community. By equipping health providers with evidence-based resources, the program helps ensure veterans receive effective, safe care and empowers them to make informed decisions about their health.