BEDFORD – According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 11-20 out of every 100 veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center has consistently reported tens of thousands of new diagnoses of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) each year since it began reporting in 2000. Additionally, veterans are more than twice as likely to commit suicide than civilians.
An estimated 22 veterans commit suicide each day, while approximately 2.7 million animals are euthanized in shelters every year.
These alarming statistics prompted the White River Humane Society, a pro-life shelter, to partner with Pets for Patriots.
Paul and Charlene Finch are both United States Marine Corps veterans. They were the first to participate in the shelter’s program. Charlene was a corporal, and Paul was a sergeant.
“We meet in the service,” said Charlene. “We were going to right out adopt Baxter when they told us about Pets for Patriots. We qualified, and we were lucky he did, too. This program helps us and the likelihood of those animals who might not get adopted. It is both helpful to the veteran and the pet. When we got home, Pets for Patriots emailed us a $200 gift card to use at Pet Smart or Petco for anything for Baxter. We have ordered him a bed.”
Eligible pets in the Pets for Patriots program need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Must be two years of age or older
- Homeless for six months or more
- Pets with special needs ( birth defect, disability, chronic medical condition)
- Dogs 40 pounds or more at the time of adoption
Veterans must apply and be approved by Pets for Patriots before adopting a pet at WRHS. Adoptions include spaying or neutering, heartworm testing for dogs, FIV and Feline Leukemia testing for cats, flea treatment, microchip, leash, and starter kit.
Veterans can adopt a pet at 50% off the standard adoption fee.
This program will remove barriers to companion pet ownership, as many veterans are challenged with cost. This is vital and, in many cases, life-saving for both the veteran and the pet. These animals become constant companions for veterans, a healing balm for the wounds no one can see.
“If a veteran comes to White River Humane Society, we can now refer them to Pets for Patriots and have them apply through their website,” added Robin Compton, WRHS Board Member and veteran of the United States Army. “We can show them our shelter animals that qualify for the program. If they find a pet they want, we will hold it for them during the application process. We will be notified once they are approved. It will take about two business days for them to be approved.”
The health benefits and emotional support pets provide to those suffering from depression and anxiety are undeniable. This program is a bridge to help both the veterans and the animals.
The White River Humane Society is also looking to assist veterans with finding a local veterinarian to help with any special needs the animal may need at a reduced cost, and trainers in the area are willing to work with veterans at a reduced price to train their pets.
Pets for Patriots will also contact adopters for at least one year to help nurture the person-pet bond, answer questions, and act as a resource for successful, lifetime adoptions.  More information is available at www.petsforpatriots.org or by visiting www.WhiteRiverHumaneSociety.org.
