PAWS/LA (Pets Are Wonderful Support Los Angeles), a nonprofit that has been assisting low-income pet guardians in Los Angeles since 1989, will launch Project Petstrong, a new program for veterans with PTSD, on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Project Petstrong is the first program in Los Angeles County dedicated to assisting low-income veterans with PTSD in caring for companion pets. It offers free services that ease the financial, physical and emotional challenges of providing for a companion animal.

Studies conducted around the country indicate that companion animals help veterans with PTSD thrive. A recent University of Texas study reported that veterans with pets experience improvements in overall happiness, ability to cope with stress and relationships with others. Animals also help traumatized veterans overcome emotional disconnect.

Participants in the study reported that the bonds they formed with pets enabled them to be more physically and socially active – key factors for preventing veteran suicide. According to research conducted by PAWS/LA, there are as many as 6,000 low-income veterans with PTSD in Los Angeles County who rely on a service, emotional support or therapy animal to cope with the effects of PTSD. More than 70 percent of the veterans expressed a significant need for assistance with the care of companion pets.

“Loneliness is crippling and our companion animals help fight that loneliness,” said Kevin L., 55, Air Force veteran, who has a companion dog, Bella. “I first met Bella at one of the loneliest and darkest times in my life. I was a homeless U.S. veteran for 28 years, I had been living with HIV for close to three decades, PAWS/LA was there when we needed help and I will always be grateful for the free pet food, supplies, toys, housing support and veterinary care they provided to make Bella better.”

For information visit www.pawsla.org/veterans.