# Multi-site, longitudinal trial evaluating the efficacy, mechanisms, and moderators of service dogs for military Veterans with PTSD

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA · 2022 · $663,932

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among military Veterans is a critical public health concern. Veteran suicide
rates exceed those of the general population, with the disorder creating a mental health challenge that is costly
and debilitating. The majority of Veterans with PTSD also have comorbid mental health diagnoses, such as
generalized anxiety disorder, substance abuse disorder, and major depression. The treatment of Veteran PTSD
and comorbid disorders represents an important therapeutic and rehabilitation problem. The disorder is complex
and difficult to treat, with high treatment dropout and nonresponse rates spurring some Veterans to seek
complementary integrative health strategies. One promising complementary strategy is the provision of a trained
service dog. Initial evidence across multiple research groups highlights service dogs as a promising complement
to evidence-based practices that can offer short-term improvements. However, the long-term effectiveness,
mechanisms of action, and moderators of efficacy remain largely unknown. Thus, the overarching objective of
this proposal is to understand how, why, and for whom PTSD service dogs are most effective.
To address this objective, the present project will assess the longitudinal efficacy and dose-response curve of
service dogs for Veteran PTSD symptomology and psychosocial functioning (Aim 1). To understand how and
why the intervention works, this project will also implement theory-driven quantification of potential mechanisms
of action that may mediate service dog efficacy (Aim 2). Finally, to understand for whom and under what
circumstances the intervention works best, this project will define moderators of service dog efficacy by
examining the heterogeneity of treatment effects (Aim 3). The research design will consist of a two-arm,
randomized clinical trial (RCT) with longitudinal assessments at 0, 6, and 12 months. Assessments will consist
of comprehensive monitoring across six data streams, including: (1) blinded clinician assessment of PTSD
symptomology, (2) standardized surveys of psychosocial functioning, (3) ecological momentary assessment of
daily emotional experiences and activities, (4) salivary biomarkers of two major stress response systems via
cortisol and alpha-amylase, (5) physical activity and sleep via actigraphy-based wristband monitoring, and (6)
canine assessments of behavior, temperament, and physiological co-regulation with the human partner. Results
are expected to elucidate the clinical impact of service dogs for military Veterans with PTSD, as well as the
biobehavioral mechanisms of action and characteristics that moderate efficacy. These outcomes will support the
long-term goal of accelerating complementary and integrative health interventions, through optimized and
evidence-based service dog interventions. As such, this project will further advance the scientific understanding
of human-animal interactions for psychosocial health...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10690188
- **Project number:** 7R01HD106413-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
- **Principal Investigator:** Marguerite Elizabeth O'Haire
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $663,932
- **Award type:** 7
- **Project period:** 2021-09-07 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10690188

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10690188, Multi-site, longitudinal trial evaluating the efficacy, mechanisms, and moderators of service dogs for military Veterans with PTSD (7R01HD106413-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10690188. Licensed CC0.

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