Frequently Asked Questions

Volunteer

How do I volunteer?

Our mission is made possible through the commitment of our volunteers. We have a wide range of volunteer opportunities including professional dog trainer, match assistant, foster home, animal transport, shelter collaborator, puppy raiser and opportunities within our Therapeutic Interactive Pet Program. Click here to learn more about our volunteer opportunities.

Is Pets for Vets available in my area?

We are a National organization in need of volunteers around the country to support our mission. Learn more here.

How do I become a Pets for Vets Volunteer Trainer?

Volunteer Trainers lead the Veteran and companion animal match and training process. They develop relationships based on trust, evaluate animal behavior to ensure appropriate selection, and deliver customized training using positive reinforcement training methods to create a lasting Super Bond® match. Learn more here.

Veteran

I am a Veteran. How do I apply for a pet?

Thank you for your interest in adopting a Pets for Vets skilled 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?

Click here to enter your zip code to locate a Pets for Vets approved trainer in your area. Thanks to the efforts of our dedicated volunteers, we continue to expand our service area. If there is not a trainer in your area we invite you to check back regularly.

How soon will Pets for Vets come to my area?

Pets for Vets supports Veterans in multiple service areas, each area is supported entirely by volunteers in conjunction with our Pets for Vets National Team. Thanks to the interest of our volunteers, we continue to expand our service area. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer trainer, please visit the volunteer page of our website.

What is required to participate in the Pets for Vets program?

Veterans will:

Reside within a Pets for Vets service area.
Complete an application.
Provide the following documentation:
- DD-214
- Healthcare provider letter
- References (veterinarian or other)
- Landlord approval for pet ownership, if applicable
Agree to engage in phone calls, in-person meetings, home visits, projects, and assignments with a Pets for Vets trainer.

How long does the process take?

Every human and animal is different so timelines vary based on unique needs. Veterans can expect this to be a long term process, investing time with their assigned trainer through in-person meetings, projects, and activities designed to ascertain individual needs, prepare each Veteran, and support long term success.

What are the benefits Veterans receive when participating in the Pets for Vets program?

Veterans accepted into the program receive their companion animal free of charge, along with a Welcome Package of supplies to help them and their new pet start their lives together. In addition, Veterans receive continued access to support and guidance from Pets for Vets.

What happens if something happens to me or my pet?

During the matching process, our team works closely with each Veteran to discuss contingency planning and identify a personalized support plan for unexpected circumstances involving either the Veteran or their companion animal.

Can I choose my pet?

Veteran input plays an important role in guiding the pet selection process, however we rely on our proven matching process and skilled trainers to create a thoughtful, individualized match designed to support a lifelong bond.

Donations and More

How can I donate?

Thank you for your support. You can learn about donation options here.

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. If you are interested in training your pet to be a service dog, we suggest you start with a basic foundation and manners class led by a positive reinforcement trainer. We recommend working with trainers who have been certified by an established positive reinforcement organization.

How can my company become a sponsor?

We are always excited to partner with organizations that share our mission and values. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor please reach out via our contact us form 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 us form here and we’ll get back with you as soon as possible.

Can I use the Pets for Vets name in my adoption event?

The Pets for Vets® name and logo are registered trademarks and can not be used without written permission from Pets for Vets. If you would like to use our name and logo for a fundraising event that benefits our organization please reach out via the contact us form here.

I made a donation and have not yet received my donation receipt

Thank you for your support! After your donation has been processed a receipt will be provided from our donation platform, GiveSmart. Please check your spam or junk folders in case the message was filtered. If you are still unable to locate your receipt, please contact us using our contact us form here, and we will be happy to assist you.

I know a wonderful dog that needs a home. Can you accept him into your program?

Our program is unique because each match is tailored to the individual, and the animals are custom trained, based on the Veteran's wants and needs. We do not have a boarding facility, and all our animals live in foster homes or with one of our trainers. To learn more about what we are looking for in a Super Bond® Match and to submit an animal for consideration please click here.

"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

I am in love. He embodied every trait I needed. You found me the perfect cat.

I know he was supposed to be the rescue, but in reality, I was the one who would be rescued by my little boy.

- Vickie and Sydney

There is nothing so therapeutic as getting the love and affection from a pet.

He's just so full of love.

- Steven and Dozer

It's so wonderful to give love and receive love. I praise God for Clarissa and Pets for Vets®.

- Doraliza and Lupita

Throughout the years, I believe Pets for Vets has saved numerous lives both pet and human. After returning from the wars, I found myself alone more than not and by having a loving pet in your life that knows when you need a hug or just touch interaction, Dixie is always there for me. She has a keen sense that kicks in when I start feeling down or sad. Pets for Vets has always been there for me in times of need as well. -Bobby and Dixie

- Bobby and Dixie