Pets For Vets

Helping Veterans and Pets Create New Beginnings Together

With over 650 successful matches and counting.

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A Bridge to a Better Life

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 Super Bond® that provides them both with a whole new “leash” on life.

Helping Veterans and Pets Create New Beginnings Together

Pets for Vets

Pets for Vets uses the powerful bond between humans and animals to help both Veterans and pets by pairing them together.

Pets in Need

It’s hard for good dogs (who may be in the wrong place at the wrong time or have poor upbringings) to find a good home.

Veterans in Need

Many brave troops return with physical and emotional injuries that make it difficult to transition back to civilian life.

A Second Chance

Deserving shelter dogs receive a second chance at life while giving our Veterans a second chance at health and happiness.

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How the Program Works

Pets for Vets is tailored to the needs, wants, and hopes of each of our Veterans. We take the time to listen and find the animal that will bring the most support and comfort. While the majority of our skilled animal companions are dogs, we’ve also placed cats and even rabbits! We invite any U.S. Veteran who could benefit from having a skilled companion animal to apply.

Our Program

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The Super Bond® An Unbreakable Connection

From the first moment a Veteran meets his or her skilled animal companion, there is an instant and unbreakable connection. The two are so in tune that the pet often instinctively knows how to help his/her Veteran – even without specific training.

This is thanks to the Pets for Vets innovative program called the Super Bond®.

Using a tested, step-by-step approach, Pets for Vets trainers create the perfect match based on the personality, temperament, needs, wants and expectations of both the animal and the Veteran. The result is a deep connection like no other.

Mission, Vision and Values

We enrich the lives of Veterans by creating a life changing Super Bond® with expertly selected and trained shelter or rescue pets and providing ongoing expert support to ensure a reciprocal and thriving partnership at no cost to the Veteran.

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Helping Veterans One Lick at a Time

Because of their Super Bond®, Veterans and their animal companions improve each other’s lives in countless, remarkable ways.

Strengthen Social Connections

Increase Mental Well-Being

Enhance Emotional Health

Encourage Physical Fitness

Ease Loneliness

Improve Relationships

Overcome Trauma

Boost Confidence

Raise Self-Esteem

Bring Back Meaning To Lives

"You would think that a dog is just a dog. That may be true for some, but not me.

I used to sit at home, alone, and just let life pass me by, but now I have a reason to get up. Even if it’s feeding Samson, or taking him for walks, he has motivated me to live again."

- Luke

"He’s more than just a friend. He’s my battle buddy. He’s my left hand. We’re connected by a leash, but it’s really our umbilical cord. He’s sometimes more tuned into me than I’m tuned into me. He knows more about me than I do sometimes. He lets me know what’s going on."

- Adam

"He's my best friend and I love him.He saved my life and I believe I'm saving his life."

- Alfred and Louie

He's my special dog.

He's done wonders for me as a Veteran.

- Tim and Louie

Roxy provides a sense of security through our connection. Roxy helped me graduate.

- Brandon and Roxy

I adopted Gigi and she adopted me. The two oi is bonded like you would never believe. All can say is, 'who saved who?'

- Corey and Gigi

Ranger became my constant, comforting companion. It was an instant connection.

- Jose and Ranger

"She is more than he dog she is my partner in healing"

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Davis and Lady

"Ozzie has made my life better."

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Rich and Ozzie

"Since l've had Gunner I have had no nightmares and can sleep through the night."

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Lori and Gunner

"He has helped me emotionally with my depression and PTSD. He lies right next to me when I sleep and I haven't had nightmares since. He and I go everywhere together. He is my new battle buddy."

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Cody and Quincy

"She gave me the strength to carry on. I truly believe she rescued me."

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Chris and Princess

"Bob has brought light and joy into my life He Is the best and really is great therapy."

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James and Bob

"Spyder was very crucial in my healing process. "Spyder was that saving grace that centered me again and brought me back. All of my needs were met in Spyder. He is the raddest dog ever."

- Leif and Spyder

"You found me the bestest friend I have had."

- Daiana and Bravo

"Enzo is the perfect dog for me, for us! He even valks like me!'

- Justin and Enzo

"He Is more than a friend. He's sometimes more in tune to me than I am in tune to me.

The magic is in the match."

- Adam and Rakkasan

"I feel different already."

- Lenny and Kaye

Wrangler stops my panic attacks when driving.

He helps me from having nightmares.

- Steve and Wrangler

"DD rescued me and saved my life. I'm so happy to be with her. 22 Veterans take their own lives, without Pets for Vets and Clarissa, I would be just another statistic."

- Blade and DD