Pets for Vets

Even though we’re not quite to the spookiest of all holidays this year, there’s another holiday around the corner worth mentioning – Veteran’s Day! And (stick with us here,) tomorrow there’s an even better connection to veterans and those furry loyal companions we love so dearly! October 21st marks National Pets for Veterans Day, celebrated by bringing awareness to the emotional needs of our veterans and how pets can help with those needs.

Seeing the Need

Pets for Veterans Day began in 2009 by Clarissa Black. As an animal behaviorist and trainer, she saw an opportunity to help military veterans returning to civilian life with what she knew best. An estimated 1 in 5 veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with most receiving no treatment at all. Additionally, more than 6 million dogs and cats enter shelters each year.

So, Black’s goal became, “to help heal the emotional wounds of military veterans by pairing them with a shelter pet who is specially selected to match his or her personality.”  Professional animal trainers rehabilitate the animals and teach them good manners to fit into the veteran’s lifestyle. Not only can the pet’s presence benefit a veteran emotionally and psychologically, the impact is physiological too. As we’ve mentioned before, caring for a pet promotes responsibility and happiness for the owner, along with a reduction in stress, anxiety, and loneliness.

Help to Heal Heroes

Black founded the non-profit, Pets for Vets, to continue her vision of finding help for pets and veterans alike, but to also get others involved. While the organization mostly trains and places dogs with veterans, they’ve also been known to place cats and even rabbits with adopters.

So, how can you help you ask? There are three ways!

1. Apply to Adopt – This option is pretty straightforward. Not a veteran? Now you have the knowledge to pass along to a veteran about an opportunity perhaps unknown to them!

2. Volunteer – No, you don’t have to be certified or even in animal training to help. From grant writing to fostering to social media help, there’s a spot for you if you’re willing to give your time.

3. Donate – Beyond donating your time as a volunteer, there are many other ways to donate. Be sure to check out their donation page to find the best fit for you! 

Take your newfound knowledge, tell your friends, and be sure to celebrate National Pets for Veterans Day! 

Be sure to check out our other blogs for more tips, tricks, and education when it comes to you and your pet!