June is PTSD Awareness Month, a time to honor the strength of those living with post-traumatic stress—and shine a light on the healing power of service dogs.

At Service Dogs of Virginia, we train and place PTSD service dogs with veterans, first responders, and active-duty military — at no cost to them. Since 2018, these life-changing dogs have helped their partners regain independence, confidence, and peace of mind

How Do PTSD Service Dogs Help?

PTSD can make daily life feel overwhelming — filled with anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional exhaustion. But service dogs can interrupt that cycle.

After returning home from the Army, Joel faced a battle of a different kind. Then came SDV Spirit — a steady companion, a source of peace and healing and the key to a new chapter.  
👉 Read Joel and Spirit’s full story here.

Want to hear more about our life changing PTSD service dogs and human partnerships?

Check out this video of Will and SDV Zach on our Facebook or Instagram or on our website! 

We Never Charge for Our Dogs

Every SDV dog is provided 100% free of charge to those who need them most. This is only possible because of generous people like you.

💛 You Can Help

Your gift helps train more service dogs like Spirit and Zach— and changes lives across Virginia.

👉 Donate Now and support our mission this PTSD Awareness Month. Together we can change lives- one dog at a time.

Best of C-VILLE 2025 – Social Programming Nonprofit

We’re honored — and excited! Voting runs May 28–June 25, and you can vote once per email.

👉 Click here to vote for SDV

💥 Why it matters: Winning increases awareness, grows our reach, and helps more people get the help they need. 

Please share the link with your friends, family, and colleagues. Together, we can make an even bigger impact! 

 Your vote = your voice in support of service dogs changing lives A vote of confidence in our mission! 

Thank you for believing in what we do!

Catch Us in the Community

Stop by to meet our team, shop our SDV merch, sign up to volunteer or just say hi!

Upcoming Events:

• June 11: Pen Park Farmers Market – 3–6 PM (Charlottesville, VA)

• June 22: Civic Season at Monticello – 12–4 PM (Monticello, VA)

• July 4: Independence Day at Monticello – 8 AM–12 PM

• July 11: Dressage at Lexington – 11 AM–4 PM (Lexington, VA)

• July 16: Pen Park Farmers Market – 3–6 PM

👕 Check out our brand-new 25th Anniversary tees (men’s & women’s) and pick up a crowd-favorite SDV dog stuffie!

This month — and always — we’re grateful for your support. Together, we can give more people a second chance at peace, connection, and healing.

👉 Donate | Vote for SDV | Read Joel’s Story

Stay connected with us on social media!
Follow us on Facebook @ServiceDogsVirginia and Instagram @servicedogsva.