Healing doesn’t always start in a doctor’s office; it can begin with a wagging tail, a rescued heart, and a bond built on trust. Veteran Companion Animal Services (VCAS) exists to meet veterans where they are, removing barriers to care, and offering a lifeline through the transformative power of the human–animal connection. By pairing rescue dogs with veterans at no cost and without requiring a medical diagnosis, VCAS is rewriting what support, access, and compassion look like in our communities. We sat down with VCAS to learn more about their life-changing work.
1. Every organization has its unique identity. What sets your organization or program apart from others working in a similar space?
What makes Veteran Companion Animal Services (VCAS) unique is our holistic, accessible approach to supporting veterans through the healing power of the human-animal bond. Unlike traditional service dog programs, we do not require a medical diagnosis to qualify. Many veterans quietly struggle with PTSD, depression, or anxiety, but hesitate to pursue a formal diagnosis due to stigma or the challenges of the process. We remove that barrier entirely.
In addition, all of our programs are completely free to veterans—from the initial placement and training to ongoing alumni and ambassador programs. By partnering with animal shelters to rescue dogs, we’re not just changing the lives of veterans—we’re also saving the lives of dogs who need a second chance.
2. Reflecting on recent achievements, what has been your biggest success as an organization in the past year?
This has been a landmark year for VCAS. We’ve already celebrated 24 successful placements of rescue dogs with veterans, and we’re on track to exceed 30 by year’s end—more than doubling our impact from last year’s 13 placements. Each one represents a life transformed: a veteran finding renewed purpose and hope, and a rescue dog gaining a forever home.
We also expanded our reach by launching a second office in Cincinnati, allowing us to serve veterans across southern Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. This growth marks an exciting new chapter in our mission to ensure that no veteran who could benefit from a companion is left without one.
3. Turning to challenges, what is the most pressing issue your community or clients are currently facing in the coming year?
The need for our services is growing faster than our resources. More veterans are reaching out for help than ever before, and we want to ensure we can meet that demand while maintaining the quality and personalized care that define our program.
As we continue to expand, our biggest challenge is securing sustainable funding and finding enough foster families, volunteers, and partners to meet the needs of both veterans and dogs.
4. Community involvement is key. How can people who are inspired by your work get involved with your organization?
There are so many ways to be part of the VCAS mission!
- Volunteer—We’re always looking for fosters to care for dogs before placement, event volunteers, and helpers at our veteran training sessions.
- Donate—All of our services are free to veterans, so community support keeps our mission possible.
- Partner—Businesses can become sponsors or host fundraising events that connect their employees with a meaningful cause.
Even small acts—sharing our story, attending an event, or walking for us on the WoofTrax app—help rescue dogs rescue veterans.
5. Collaboration is often essential in creating impact. Who are some of your favorite partners or collaborators in the community, and how do you work together?
We couldn’t do this work without our shelter partners, including Delaware Humane Society, Gigi’s, and Rescued Ohio. They provide the rescue dogs who become life-changing companions for our veterans.
We also work closely with veterans’ organizations, local businesses, and community partners who help us expand our reach—whether that’s through hosting training spaces, sponsoring events, or raising awareness. Every partnership strengthens the network of support around our veterans.
6. Becoming part of this network brings you to a new community and potential collaborations. Why did you decide to join Community Shares of Mid Ohio?
Joining Community Shares felt like a natural step in our journey. We wanted to be part of a coalition of nonprofits that share our values of compassion, inclusion, and community impact. Beyond fundraising, we see this as an opportunity to learn from and collaborate with other organizations doing transformative work in central Ohio. Together, we can amplify each other’s missions and reach more people in need.
7. The heart of Community Shares’ work is to create a more just, caring, and healthy community for all. How does your organization contribute to this vision?
At VCAS, we believe that healing and hope are contagious. When a veteran finds peace through a companion animal, that impact ripples outward—to their families, their communities, and the rescue network that made it possible.
By empowering veterans, we strengthen families. By rescuing dogs, we build empathy and compassion. By offering all of this free of charge, we create access and equality in mental health support. In every way, our work contributes to a more caring and connected community.
8. Let’s end with something surprising. What’s an interesting fact or statistic about your organization that most people might not know?
Many people are surprised to learn that we cover all costs for the veteran’s first year—including food, supplies, and veterinary care. We want to remove every financial obstacle so veterans can focus on healing and bonding with their companion.
And here’s another fun fact: every veteran in our program is not just helping themselves—they’re also saving a life. Every dog in our program comes from a rescue shelter, so each placement is truly two lives changed forever.
At its core, VCAS is about connection, between veterans and their companions, shelters and second chances, and communities united around care and inclusion. As the organization continues to grow, so does its impact: stronger veterans, saved dogs, and a network of support that proves healing is most powerful when shared. Every partnership, donation, and volunteer helps turn quiet struggles into stories of resilience and ensures that no veteran or rescue dog has to walk their journey alone.
