Pets for Vets ®
Creating New Beginnings for Veterans and Animals Together
Many brave troops return home with scars – both seen and unseen – that make it difficult to transition back to civilian life. At the same time, millions of wonderful companion animals wait in shelters for a forever home. Pets for Vets is the bridge that brings them together.
When a Veteran is matched with the right pet, both lives change for the better. The Veteran saves the animal and welcomes him/her into a loving home. The pet provides the Veteran with unconditional love and support, easing stress, depression, loneliness and anxiety. Together, they share a bond that provides them both with a whole new “leash” on life.
Your Donation Makes a Difference | Pets For Vets
THE CHALLENGE: At Pets for Vets, we believe our country owes an enormous debt of gratitude to our Veterans, many of whom are challenged by combat stress and other health issues related to their service. While many of these Veterans would benefit from having a trained Companion Animal, animal shelters across the nation are overflowing with pets that are in need of a good home.
OUR MISSION: Pets for Vets was created to both support and improve the lives of U.S. Veterans and to offer a second chance to shelter pets by bringing them together in a thoughtful, caring way.
OUR PROGRAM: Once we receive a Veteran application for a Companion Animal, we spend time with the Veteran to learn about his or her personality, needs, wants, expectations, and lifestyle. Using this information, we then visit local shelters and rescues to find a pet whose personality and temperament are most appropriate for the needs of the Veteran. Once a selection is made, the pet is cleared by a veterinarian and trained specifically for his or her Veteran using positive reinforcement training methods that encourage a mutually beneficial relationship based on trust and respect. A welcome package of equipment and start-up supplies is also provided to the Veteran to make welcoming a new Companion into their home as simple as possible. Because of the careful work preparing them both for match day, the connection between the Veteran and his or her companion animal is almost immediate, and a life-changing bond is formed between the Veteran and their new Companion. The Pets for Vets commitment doesn't stop when the two are introduced, and we provide ongoing follow-up assistance for the life of the animal.
OUR WAY TO SAY "THANK YOU": While each Veteran-pet match costs about $3,500 depending on donated services and items, our program is offered at absolutely no cost to the Veteran.
in addition to recognizing our servicemen and women, our program:
- Improves the lives of military families;
- Reduces the number of VA visits and related costs;
- Reduces suicide rates; and
- Cuts shelter costs and reduces shelter occupancy, making shelter resources available for other rescued animals.
Thank you for considering a donation to Pets for Vets! Your contribution directly impacts each Veteran-pet match by providing a Welcome Package filled with all the equipment necessary to start the match’s new life together. With these basic needs already met, the two can immediately begin building on their bond to create a lifetime of love, loyalty and trust. Thank you for your donations!
“I cannot express how grateful I am to your organization, and the work and dedication that you put forth for the returning vets... Thank you so much for a new lease on life.”