Therapeutic Interactive Pet ProgramTM

Comfort, Companionship, and Connection - No Feeding Required

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.

What is Our Therapeutic Interactive Pet ProgramTM (TIPP)?

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.

Need for Therapeutic Interactive Pet ProgramTM

38 %
of Veterans experience depression, anxiety, or cognitive decline
82 %
of OEF and OIF Veterans experience chronic pain
80 %
of Veterans will require long-term care services and supports during their lifetime
13 %
of the unhoused adult population are Veterans

Barriers to Having a Live Companion Animal

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:

  • Limited mobility, chronic pain or fatigue 
  • Cognitive challenges such as traumatic brain injury, dementia, or memory loss
  • Allergies or health concerns
  • Severe PTSD or anxiety
  • Recovery or instability in daily routines
  • Housing restrictions in rentals, assisted living, nursing homes, or VA housing
  • Unhoused or temporary living situations

Benefits of Our Therapeutic Interactive Pet ProgramTM

Emotional and Psychological Benefits

  • Reduce loneliness through companionship
  • Decrease anxiety, stress, and depression 
  • Promote relaxation
  • Improve mood
  • Provide sense of purpose

Cognitive and Behavioral Benefits

  • Stimulate memory recall 
  • Encourage social engagement and communication
  • Support cognitive activity 

Physical and Health-Related Benefits

  • Lower blood pressure and heart rate 
  • Decrease perception of pain 
  • Encourage light physical activity 
  • Support motor skills and dexterity 

Thoughtful and Personalized Placements

We treat interactive pet placements with the same care as our live companion matches:

  • We get to know the Veteran – their needs, preferences, and environment.
  •  We assess which interactive pet is the best fit, customizing the look when possible.
  • We deliver a personalized Welcome Package.

More Than a Match

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.

Other Stories From Around The Nation

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Cathy and Drake

Cathy McDonough Drake received her interactive pet dog, Bingo, shortly before she died at age 96.

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Albert and His Dog

Albert Merkley received his interactive pet dog in November 2019.

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Mel and Cat

He missed the Black and White cat he had at home, so Pets for Vets gave him the next best thing, an interactive pet cat.

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Buster and Snowball

I recently visited with Buster and his wife to place his interactive pet.

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Irene and Her Dog

Pets for Vets SW IN provided her with an interactive pet dog.

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Steve and Wrangler

Thank you for bringing two souls, even an interactive pet soul, together, so that no matter what we will always have a companion.

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Darrell and Scout

SW 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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