I am a Veteran. How do I apply for a pet?
Thank you for your interest in adopting a skilled A.C.E. trained animal! Our program is open to any U.S. Veteran who lives in one of our service areas, is capable of caring for a pet and who could benefit from having a pet. To check if you live in one of our service areas, click here and enter your zip code.
Is Pets for Vets available in my area?
To check for a service area near you, click here and enter your zip code. If there is no chapter in your area currently, we invite you to check back regularly. Thanks to the efforts of our dedicated volunteers, we are expanding all of the time.
How soon will Pets for Vets come to my area?
Pets for Vets supports Veterans in several states and we would love to serve even more. However, we are unable to predict where and when a new service area will open. Service areas are run entirely by volunteers. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about what is involved in establishing a service area, please contact jenn@petsforvets.com.
Can you train my dog to be a service dog?
Pets for Vets provides training only to the animals we have specifically selected for the Veterans in our program. However, if you are interested in training your pet to be a service dog, we suggest you start with a basic obedience and manners class led by a positive reinforcement trainer. Ask around for recommendations or check with Petco and PetSmart, which both have group training classes.
In addition, you may find these books helpful:
Parenting Your Dog – Develop Dog-Rearing Skills For A Well-Trained Companion by Trish King, PBK
Item ID: DTB795
Price: $19.95
Dog Friendly Dog Training, 2nd Edition by Andrea Arden, HBK
Item ID: DTB647
Price: $18.95
Find additional suggestions by clicking here for the Pets for Vets reading list.
I know a wonderful dog that needs a home. Can you accept him into your program?
Thank you for thinking of Pets for Vets. Unfortunately, we do not have a facility to board dogs awaiting adoption. Instead, we visit rescues and shelters to find a specific animal for a Veteran, depending on his/her needs.
If the dog has a predominant “breed,” we suggest contacting that breed’s rescue group(s). Rescue groups have an excellent foster network and do a great job with rehoming deserving pets. Another option would be to check with the Voluntary Services Department at a VA hospital to see if they have any Veterans looking for a companion pet. People who have written to us have also had success with posting flyers at local pet stores, veterinarian offices or grocery stores with community bulletin boards.
Do you need volunteers? How do I sign up?
At Pets for Vets, we couldn’t do what we do without the efforts of our dedicated volunteers. We have a wide range of volunteer opportunities including chapter director, professional dog trainer, foster mom/dad, fundraiser, social media guru and more! Please let us know more about you and your interests by filling out a volunteer application.
How can I become a sponsor?
Pets for Vets has many kinds of sponsorship opportunities available for companies who want to give back to our nation’s Veterans. Some companies make a cash donation on a regular basis and some partner with us to provide supplies for the Veteran’s Welcome Package. We are also open to new ideas! Please contact sponsors@petsforvets.com to learn more.
I would like to wear a Pets for Vets t-shirt. Where can I buy one?
Thank you for your interest in our Pets for Vets merchandise! Proceeds from each sale help further our mission. Check out our entire selection of t-shirts, hats, coffee mugs and more by clicking here.
I still have questions. How can I contact you?
We’d love to hear from you! To get in touch, please fill out our contact form and we’ll get back with you as soon as possible.
"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."
"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."
