From Kennels to Connection: Veterans Step into Recovery One Walk at a Time

By Katie Butler, Public Affairs Specialist, North Florida / South Georgia Veterans Health System

May 13, 2026

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Veterans in residential mental health treatment at the Jacksonville North VA, part of the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS), are finding renewed purpose and connection in an unexpected place: walking dogs from a local animal shelter.

The Jacksonville-based initiative brings together Veterans from the Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program and the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Program for outings to walk shelter dogs. This marks the second time Jacksonville North VA patients have participated. The goal is simple but powerful: to get Veterans moving, help them connect with others, and give them an opportunity to give back.