October 21 is National Pets for Veterans Day, and it’s a day to spread awareness of the emotional needs of veterans and assist them in transitioning back into civilian life. The organization Pets for Vets was founded on October 21, 2009, by Clarissa Black, an animal behaviorist and trainer looking to help the veterans with issues related to their service.
An estimated one in five veterans suffer from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”), and two-thirds do not receive any treatment. This psychological disease could manifest as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Unfortunately, untreated PTSD may often lead to suicide.
According to the ASPCA, between 6 and 8 million dogs and cats are abandoned at shelters in the United States annually. Nationally, five out of ten shelter dogs and seven out of ten shelter cats are euthanized, because there is no one to adopt them from the shelter. These dogs and cats could be excellent companion animals to the veterans in their adjustment back to civilian life.
The idea is based on the practice of animal-assisted therapy. Studies have shown that caring for a pet can promote responsibility and routine. The need to walk the dog will encourage outdoor activities and sun exposure, known to uplift mood. The companionship of a pet can alleviate loneliness, stress, anxiety, and reduces blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride. The impacts may not just be emotional and psychological, but also physiological.
Pets for Vets provides a whole list of services through its network expanding from Maine to Colorado. Its mission statement is: “Helping Veterans and Saving Pets.” A vet could submit an application, where questions would be asked to find the best match for him or her. After a search for the right pet, the furry companion will then receive training at one of the skilled trainers’ homes. Although most of the matches were with dogs, Pets for Vets has placed a rabbit for a vet once!
As their website states, “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 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.”
Pets for Vets uses its registered Super Bond® process to find the best match for our nation’s veterans and pets. Anyone interested in donating and volunteering should contact their local chapters.
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