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Service dogs play a critical role in providing support for veterans. We want to hear your stories and videos that demonstrate your animal’s impact.

“Because of Kaya, I earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. I have a beautiful 2-year-old son. And I sit here today as a veteran advocate in the largest division of the largest veteran service organization in the country because of my service dog.”

-            Then-American Legion Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Director Cole Lyle during June 12, 2025, testimony before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health.

The sentiment expressed by Cole – now the Legion’s national Legislative director – isn’t unique. Whether it be during presentations to American Legion commissions and committees or within one-on-one interviews with Legion media, veterans who use service dogs say the relationship has changed their lives.

The impact of service dogs not only is seen by those who use them, but by others around them. In 2023, Congress passed a resolution designating Sept. 20 as National Service Dog Day as part of the bigger National Service Dog Month. The day has been observed every year since passage and is designed to honor the role of service dogs in the lives of people with disabilities and America's veterans.

Ahead of this Sept. 20, 91��ý wants to know how you service dog has impacted your life. We want to hear your before and after stories: what did your service dog provide that was missing prior to the two of you being paired together. We want to share your inspirational stories in our media channels to celebrate National Service Dog Day.

Share your stories – and photos of you with your dog – one of two ways:

-            Email sbrooks@legion.org.

-            Submit your story and photo on in the section.

During our Feb. 24, 2026, Training Tuesday session, Past American Legion Department of New Jersey Commander John Brouse provided practical guidance on understanding service dog teams, veteran eligibility, legal considerations, and best practices for interacting with working dogs in post and public settings. Check out the PowerPoint presentation from the session .