Lanark County Paramedic Service Partners with Canadian Veterans Service Dog Unit

Press Release – Mississippi River Health Alliance

Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS), together with its Peer Support Team, is proud to announce a new partnership with the Canadian Veterans Service Dog Unit (CVSDU), a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting Canadian veterans and first responders living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and operational stress injuries (OSIs).

CVSDU trains highly skilled service dogs that provide life-changing support, independence, and resilience to those they serve. Before entering formal training, each dog must be gradually introduced to a variety of people, places, and sounds. LCPS bases will now provide a safe, supportive environment for this essential early socialization between calls, helping prepare confident, capable service animals while also bringing moments of comfort and connection to paramedics on shift.

“This is an incredible partnership that will benefit both our staff and the future service dogs being trained,” said Tristan Layer, Commander of Operations at LCPS. “Our bases provide the perfect environment for socialization, and our teams are proud to play a role in advancing the important mission of CVSDU.”

As part of the initiative, CVSDU staff and their dogs may accompany the LCPS Peer Support Team during monthly base visits and may also join Superintendents on routine rounds. The first visit is scheduled for September 5, 2025.

“Paramedics face unique pressures in their work, and wellness support is essential,” added Travis Mellema, Chief of Lanark County Paramedic Service. “Welcoming CVSDU dogs into our stations not only helps prepare them for service, but also provides our paramedics with the comfort, calm, and positive energy that animals naturally bring. This partnership is truly a win for both organizations, and for the veterans, first responders, and communities we are privileged to serve.”

“We are proud to partner with Lanark County Paramedic Service to support the training of our future service dogs,” said Dwayne Sawyer, President, CVSDU. “These animals play a life-changing role in the lives of veterans and first responders living with post-traumatic stress disorder and operational stress injuries. This collaboration not only helps prepare the dogs for their important work but also strengthens the connection between our organizations as we work together to support the health and resilience of those who serve.”

This collaboration highlights LCPS’s ongoing commitment to the health and wellness of its staff, while contributing to CVSDU’s mission of empowering veterans and first responders through the healing bond between handler and dog.