Emotional and Psychological Benefits
- Reduce loneliness through companionship
- Decrease anxiety, stress, and depression
- Promote relaxation
- Improve mood
- Provide sense of purpose
Every Veteran deserves the healing power of a companion. But for some, a live pet may not be possible due to health, housing, or life circumstances. Our Therapeutic Interactive Pet ProgramTM (TIPP) program offers a meaningful alternative.
Our Therapeutic Interactive Pet Program utilizes interactive pets, which are realistic, responsive devices designed to simulate the appearance and behavior of a real companion animal. Using sensors and touch-responsive technology, they mimic movements and sounds similar to live pets, such as purring, barking, wagging a tail, turning toward touch and engaging in lifelike interaction.
Our Therapeutic Interactive Pet Program carefully evaluates the client’s needs and selects an appropriate interactive pet selected and placed for therapeutic purposes. These tools are backed by research and used to improve well-being and quality of life. They require no feeding, grooming, walking, or veterinary care, making them ideal for individuals who cannot care for live animals due to health, mobility, or housing restrictions.
While the bond between a Veteran and a pet can be life-changing, not every Veteran is able to care for a live animal. Many face health or environmental barriers that make regular pet care overwhelming or difficult, such as:
We treat interactive pet placements with the same care as our live companion matches:
Every interactive pet placed through TIPP is a small act of care with a lasting impact. Whether it barks, purrs, or simply brings a smile, these companions help Veterans feel seen, supported, and never alone.
Cathy McDonough Drake received her interactive pet dog, Bingo, shortly before she died at age 96.
Learn MoreHe missed the Black and White cat he had at home, so Pets for Vets gave him the next best thing, an interactive pet cat.
Learn MoreI recently visited with Buster and his wife to place his interactive pet.
Learn MoreThank you for bringing two souls, even an interactive pet soul, together, so that no matter what we will always have a companion.
Learn MoreSW IN chapter placed an interactive pet with him which pleased him greatly. He has named his dog Scout and enjoys having his dog with him.
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