New policy enables employees to foster future Service Dogs while advancing workplace culture and support for Veterans
May 5, 2026 (Reno, Nev.) — Liberty Dogs, a locally based national Service Dog training and placement program for U.S. military Veterans with PTSD, has partnered with the Washoe County Board of Commissioners to help develop a new policy supporting Service Dog organizations in the workplace.
The forward-thinking initiative expands opportunities for employees to support Service Dog training while enhancing workplace wellbeing and is intentionally designed as a broad framework that supports all Service Dog organizations, as well as therapy dog programs, reflecting a shared commitment to those who volunteer their time to serve others.
The policy allows eligible employees, particularly those working with organizations such as Liberty Dogs, to bring Service Dogs in training into the workplace under clearly defined guidelines, including behavioral standards, safety protocols, and departmental discretion.
“This is a powerful example of how local government can lead with both compassion and practicality,” said retired Major Gen. Ondra L. Berry, CEO at Liberty Dogs. “For organizations like ours, this policy enables employees to play a direct role in raising future Service Dogs for Veterans, right alongside their daily work. That’s a meaningful extension of public service. We encourage other organizations and municipalities to explore similar policies that balance operational needs with meaningful community impact.”
Liberty Dogs is a national model that pairs U.S. military Veterans living with PTSD with highly trained Service Dogs in an innovative and compassionate setting designed for trust, independence, and renewed purpose. It is a flagship initiative of the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation.
Beyond its impact on Service Dog development, the policy reflects a growing body of research highlighting the benefits of dogs in professional environments. Research from the University of Arizona’s Human-Animal Bond Lab shows that interactions with working dogs can positively influence psychological, social, and physiological wellbeing, with implications for stress, burnout, and job-related satisfaction in applied settings.
Additional research on Animal Assisted Interventions in Hospitals examined facility dogs in workplace settings and found measurable impacts on employee wellbeing, including reductions in burnout and improvements in job-related mental health outcomes among personnel working alongside dogs.
The Washoe County policy is structured to ensure minimal disruption to operations. Participation is voluntary, and the policy remains distinct from Americans with Disabilities Act protections, giving the county full discretion in implementation.
This initiative positions Washoe County at the forefront of a growing national movement. Similar policies have been successfully adopted in other jurisdictions, including Sierra County, California, and are increasingly being explored by both public and private sector employers.
For more information about Liberty Dogs and its programs, visit the website.
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About Liberty Dogs
Liberty Dogs is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Reno, Nevada that provides highly trained Service Dogs to U.S. Veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress syndrome, empowering greater independence, resilience, and quality of life. Through community-based training models and innovative partnerships, Liberty Dogs is committed to serving those who have served. Canine-related costs are fully covered for both Veterans and volunteers because healing and service should never come with barriers. Liberty Dogs is a flagship initiative of the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
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