Pets for Vets — Helping Veterans and Pets Create New Beginnings
Dog-human relationships are unbreakable. And they become stronger when the dog’s personality matches the owner’s quirks and lifestyle.
Pets for Vets is a non-profit organization that matches Veterans and dogs to help support both parties.
Are you interested in helping this charity? Find out what Pets for Vets do, how they started, and what you can do to help their cause.
Who are Pets for Vets?
Pets for Vets are a non-profit organization that aims to pair Veterans and dogs to improve both qualities of their lives.
The organization is based on the philosophy that there is a human for every dog and a dog for every human.
Through the Super Bond®, their unique approach, Vets can have the most suitable pets who will provide emotional and physical support. At the same time, dogs will have a new place to call home.
These dogs are A.C.E trained to boost Veterans’ overall health and well-being. Consequently, it’s one less poor furry friend in the shelter.
How Did They Start?
Animal Trainer Clarissa Black is the founder of the organization. She started Pets for Vets in 2009 to show gratitude to retired military members.
As a dog lover, Clarissa decided it would be a great idea to bring two of her biggest passions together. Such bright love has led her to help veterans and save animals simultaneously.
Pets for Vets is like hitting two birds with one stone. The animal trainer uses her knowledge of animal behavior and the human-animal bond to provide support for humans and dogs.
She also decided to transform her PTSD into power by recognizing that all traumatized Veterans need companions. And these companions don’t need to be humans.
Using her expertise and personal experience, Clarissa designed the Super Bond®. It’s a unique matching process that allows instant and effective connection between animals and humans.
She considers the type of training that the animal needs, the Veteran, and other philosophies in matching the Veteran and potential pet.
What They Do
Pets for Vets match dogs and other animals with a compatible Veteran to form a so-called Super Bond® to provide support for both parties.
At the moment, the organization has made more than 500 matches using this unique approach. It’s a highly personalized framework that ensures the animal and Veteran will fit in each other’s lives.
The first step in using this approach is getting to know the veteran. The organization talks to them about their needs, wants, lifestyles, and personalities.
They do the same with the animal. Their method of “interviewing” the animal is by examining their temperament, needs, and wants. The Veteran also has the opportunity to get to know the dog first.
Pets for Vets instantly train the dog through positive reinforcement if they are a match. Doing this will prepare them for their new home and owner.
It’s a new hope for humans and animals to be happy together.
How You Can Help
There are two ways you can contribute to this strong advocacy. First, you can volunteer for the non-profit organization.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Pets for Vets lets you make a difference by volunteering for them.
It doesn’t matter what skills, previous experience, or interest you have. The charity believes whatever you can offer will help make a difference for both Veterans and dogs.
You can apply as a volunteer by filling out the online form on their website.
Or you can make a direct monetary contribution to Pets for Vets. These donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent.
You can donate on their site here.
If you’re a Veteran who lives near their chapter areas, you can apply for a new pet. Some requirements include a letter of recommendation, a copy of DD-214, and interviews.
Apply for a skilled A.C.E trained animal on their website.
You can also buy their merch here.
And follow them on Facebook here.
There’s a Perfect Dog for Every Human
It’s true that something remarkable forms when Pets for Vets matches a Veteran with a trained animal. They form a loving, symbiotic relationship that helps them build a great life together.
A little help goes a long way. Volunteer for Pets for Vets or donate to the organization to help more Veterans who need emotional and physical support and animals in shelters.
You can find some more of our favorite charities here.
