Veterans With Dogs has been named Small Charity of the Year at the prestigious Third Sector Awards 2025—a testament to the transformative power of their PALS assistance dog programme and the extraordinary commitment of their entire community.
Award Announcement
The Third Sector Awards have recognised Veterans With Dogs for its pioneering work training and pairing assistance dogs with UK Armed Forces veterans living with complex mental health conditions. This honour underscores our rapid growth, sector-leading outcomes, and the real-life impact delivered daily to veterans who face the hidden struggles of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The award arrives at a pivotal moment, marking not a conclusion but a new chapter in our ongoing mission.
Our Partner Animal Life Skills (PALS) programme stands at the forefront of evidence-based intervention for veterans, offering structured support, lifelong mentoring, and genuine improvement in wellbeing. Research shows that up to 94% of veterans partnered with PALS-trained assistance dogs experience lasting mental health improvements, and 40% reduce reliance on medication within six months. Real stories from beneficiaries reveal dramatic increases in independence, self-esteem, and renewed purpose.
Community and Partnerships
This award celebrates not just our staff and trustees, but all supporters, volunteers, partners, and most importantly, the veterans and their canine companions at the heart of everything we do. Our success reflects the generosity of donors and supporters who have enabled us to launch innovative fundraising initiatives, secure multi-year funding, and strengthen our governance with new trustee appointments.
Looking Ahead
Winning Small Charity of the Year is the start of an ambitious new phase. We will expand our reach, train more assistance dogs, forge new partnerships, and continue working to ensure no veteran faces mental health challenges alone. The benchmark is clear: our standard is excellence and inclusion. We invite the public and media to join us in celebrating this honour and in supporting the next wave of life-changing outcomes for Britain’s veterans.
