Our companions give us so much love, devotion, and friendship throughout their all-too-short lifetimes. When soldiers have pets, it’s often a gamble for them. Deployments come and pets go, as they have to surrender their beloved furry friends due to lack of proper care.
Thankfully, there are good folks rallying for soldiers and their pets. Several organizations help soldiers and their pets in times of need. Let’s learn more about each one and how they can benefit pet owners who serve.
Guardian Angels for Soldiers’ Pets
Guardian Angels for Soldiers’ Pets is an organization that has been helping military members, veterans, and their pets since 2005. They help veterans and active duty service members that are deploying by creating a straightforward website platform to navigate in which to find temporary foster homes for their pets.
You can hop on the website and click “Pet Foster Home” in the links to take you to further information. You have to follow the appropriate steps to obtain approval. Plus, you don’t have to donate to apply. It is funded through Direct Public Support and Indirect Public Support.
There are tons of ways you can get involved, whether you want to foster or volunteer. You can also spread the word via social media. This organization is based out of Gatesville, Texas.
PACT for Animals
In 2011, a man named Buzz Miller formed PACT, which stands for People + Animals = Companions Together. It is another service that finds temporary foster homes for pets of soldiers or veterans who need to be away from their pets for extended periods of time.
The mission, according to the website, is to network compassionate individuals to protect the human-animal bond of temporarily homeless situations. That way, when soldiers return, they can be reunited with their pet family members once again.
This program currently helps with deployments and medical crises. On their website, they have links to the foster program as well as the application. You can get in touch with them easily to explore your options further.
Other Organizations
These organizations listed above may be among the most popular, but they’re not the only choices. There are tons of different programs that help soldiers and their pets. Here are a few other options for you.
Paws of War
The Paws of War organization offers a variety of services to military professionals. The War Torn Pups & Cats program reunites military personnel with the pets they might have found overseas or while on deployment at no cost to them.
It also offers mobile veterinary clinics, foster opportunities, and service dog adoption. You can apply for a service dog to help you through medical issues or PTSD related to war or service.
This service does accept donations. So far, according to their website, over 600 dogs and cats have made their way back to the States.
Pets for Patriots
Pets for Patriots is an organization that helps both overlooked shelter animals and veterans find one another. It is a network built to give these pets a second chance and allow veterans the opportunity to connect with an irreplaceable friend.
This organization has an easy-to-navigate website where you can check out all the ways they can help. They definitely cover more bases than just pets, so you can see what other resources they have available for veterans, or you can just donate to the cause if you want.
They have a blog also if you’re into reading some interesting facts or aim to know more about the organization.
Conclusion
Now you understand that there are plenty of resources for soldiers. Whether you are headed for deployment or marching back to the states, you might need help when it comes to your furry friends.
All of these organizations help to give hope and a strong foundation to soldiers and their beloved pets. We highly recommend looking further into each one so you can find the organization that works best for your cause.
Featured Image Credit: seeasign, Shuttertstock