The companionship of a pet can combat loneliness and reduce stress for anyone. But these benefits can truly be especially life-changing for anyone who has experienced trauma or injury in the line of duty. Pets for Patriots is an organization that specializes in connecting veterans with adoptable furry companions. While animals need rescuing, they often end up rescuing their humans, too. Keep reading to learn how Pets for Patriots brings the most overlooked shelter pets to veterans looking for a new pet friend in a heart-warming story of hope.
What Is Pets for Patriots?
Pets for Patriots is a non-profit organization that helps military veterans adopt pets. They provide resources to help veterans facing medical or mental challenges. They collaborate with animal welfare organizations and shelters to end animal homelessness in the United States. For example, Michigan Humane, a friend of HypePets, partners with Pets for Patriots to pair veterans with free dogs and cats.
They also help veterans get pet food and other basic needs at discounts or no cost. In addition, Pets for Patriots helps provide low-cost veterinarian services. This means that any veteran can have a faithful animal companion regardless of financial status.
How Does Pets for Patriots Work?
Pets for Patriots pairs military personnel of any age with a dog or cat that’s in a shelter or at a rescue organization. There’s an veteran application process and eligibility requirements. Animal shelters that want to participate must also complete an application to be included in the pairing program.
While these veterans could adopt normally through their local shelters, Pets for Patriots offers a number of benefits and services that go above and beyond for our military personnel.
What Benefits Do Pets for Patriots Programs Offer?
When accepted to be an adoptive parent through Pets for Patriots, veterans receive discounts and other special benefits from partner shelters. They also receive discounted fees from veterinary partners and savings on pet insurance, pet food, and supplies. In addition, they get a $150 welcome-home gift card to make their home pet-friendly.
Pet Adoption
The pet adoption benefits through Pets for Patriots’ members only applies to their partner shelters and rescues. Fortunately, they partner with numerous organizations throughout the U.S. Eligible veterans can adopt a cat or dog through the program.
One thing to note is that Pets for Patriots is exclusively for the adoption of companion pets and not service animals. If you’re looking for a service dog or funding for one, you can reach out to organizations like Patriot Paws. They provide and train service dogs for veterans and you can apply through their website. K9 Heroes for Our Heroes is another organization that helps veterans in need get a service dog.
Discounts on Vet Care
Members of Pets for Patriots receive discounts on veterinary care and supplies. Vet care can be costly, so the organization ensures veterans can have a dog or cat and not worry about the costs involved.
VIP Petcare is a program partner. You can find their locations around the country. Banfield Pet Hospital is also a well-known partner. You’ll find their clinics in many Pet Smart stores. This widespread presence makes getting vet care wherever the veteran lives as easy as possible.
Savings on Pet Supplies
Pets for Patriots offers discounted and low-cost or free pet supplies to its members. They help make the cost of having a pet manageable, and a wonderful perk for our service men and women. From pet food to toys, beds, and other pet gear, the organization ensures bringing a new dog or cat home is as seamless as possible.
Pro Tip: Get our tips for bringing home a new puppy. Also, get our 10 steps for bringing home a new cat.
Who Is Eligible to Adopt a Pet Through Pets for Patriots?
To join Pets for Patriots, a veteran can fill out a pre-qualification application on their website. Veterans who apply must live within 40 miles of a partnering rescue or shelter. But those living within reason beyond the requirement can fill out the pre-qualification application to receive a review from their staff.
Pets for Patriots accept people of any age at all stages for their military careers from any United States armed forces. They serve veterans from World War II through the present. The applicant’s character of service must be Honorable. Those with dishonorable discharge status are ineligible for the program. Also, individuals convicted of a felony, sexual offense, or any type of animal mistreatment are ineligible.
What Pets Are Eligible for the Program?
Pets eligible for adoption in the program must be a dog or cat. They must be either at least two years old, have special needs, be a homeless animal of six months or older, or a dog of 40 pounds or more. These pets are generally considered to be more overlooked, and therefore in the most need of a loving home. Veterans can adopt up to two pets through the program.
How Can Non-Military Personnel Support Pets for Patriots?
There are a few ways that non-military personnel can support Pets for Patriots. You can donate money to help cover the costs of food, veterinary care, and adoption fees.
Pets for Patriots is always looking for partner shelters. You can connect with your local shelter to learn if they’re already a partner or would consider becoming one. Also, you can help spread the word about Pets for Patriots to help veterans have the companionship of a pet and help free up space in shelters at the same time.
A Dog or Cat Can Give a Veteran Unconditional Love and Companionship
A dog or cat can give a veteran unconditional love and companionship, significantly improving their quality of life. Our pets often rescue us when we think we’re just doing the rescuing. Pet adoption can be life-changing for military personnel.
How might you help support Pets for Patriots today?
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