Pets for Patriots Links Shelter Pets with Military Men and Women

With the Fourth of July fast approaching, thoughts turn to our heroes in the U.S. military serving to protect and defend our freedom. Now, there is a way pet-lovers and military supporters can bring two good causes together!

Pets for Patriots is an organization that creates unique opportunities for members of the military community to save a life by honorably adopting homeless adult dogs and cats.

With millions of homeless pets in animal shelters across the country, it is increasingly difficult to place adult animals or larger dogs. Most people want cute, cuddly kittens and puppies, and many people are not prepared to care for a large dog.

At the same time, there are many servicemen and women returning home from deployments, finding the transition back to civilian life incredibly challenging.

This is where Pets for Patriots enters the picture. Pets for Patriots aims to assist military men and women and veterans "honorably" adopt a shelter pet. When military members adopt an eligible pet through the Pets for Patriots program, they receive a 10 percent discount on veterinary services for the life of their pet through member veterinarians.

Additionally, Pets for Patriots gives adopting military men and women access to reduced cost pet basics, such as food, toys and essential supplies.

This 501(c)3 charitable organization helps fill several gaps at once. The number of adult pets available for adoption is staggering, and Pets for Patriots-eligible adoptions include dogs and cats two years of age or older, large dogs of 40 pounds or more and other dogs or cats that are hard-to-adopt due to special needs or old age.

While this segment of the shelter pet population faces additional hardships in finding a "forever home," likewise military men and women face unique challenges due to their service. Many patriots returning from deployment face Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and some return with various injuries and/or depression.

It has been documented that animal companionship can assist anyone with these types of challenges. The use of pet therapy is on the rise at military installations already.

By linking these service people in need with pets ready for adoption, Pets for Patriots is filling a unique need. For more information, visit www.petsforpatriots.org.