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.

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.

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Our Mission & Vision

Mission:  We enrich the lives of Veterans by creating a Super Bond® with custom trained working animals.

Vision:  To be a recognized authority on the therapeutic benefits of the human-animal connection resulting in the successful selection and placement of A.C.E™ custom trained working animals with Veterans.

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

6.5  Million
Dogs And Cats Enter U.S. Shelters Each Year.
American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals.
ASPCA
AS MANY AS
20 %
Of Returning Military Veterans
Suffer From Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd).
JOAN HEART \ USA TODAY
1.5  Million
Shelter Animals Are Euthanized
American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals.
ASPCA

Matches From Around the Nation

Lori and Gunner

Without Pets for Vets, I would not have Gunner. In the short time I've had Gunner I have had no nigh...

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Rich and Ozzy

I'd like to thank you for finding me my new friend Ozzy. Ozzy is a terrier mix with lots of energy, ...

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Daniel and Fletcher

My name is Daniel Goodman and I'm an U.S. Army veteran. I served 5 years active duty with one major ...

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