Pets help children deal with stress of military life

Girl and dog

For military children, a family pet can help smooth some of the ups-and-downs that come with life in the armed forces. In addition to providing unconditional love and companionship, a dog or cat can help strengthen the physical and emotional health of its owners, particularly children. Here are just a few ways Fido or Fluffy can be your child’s best friend, and so much more.  Good for the body Living with a pet can strengthen a child’s immune system. Studies show that children growing up in homes with a furred pet are at lower risk for allergies and asthma. A study by a University of Continue reading …

Help with pet veterinary costs

veterinarian and dog

Veterinary costs are one of the biggest contributors to the overall costs of owning a pet, which is why Pets for Patriots partners with veterinary practices across the country to provide high quality, discounted care to veterans and service members who adopt through our program. We often get requests for assistance with individuals' veterinary bills when their dog or cat experiences either a medical emergency or requires extraordinary care, like surgery. Although we do not maintain a veterinary fund, there are excellent local and national resources available to qualifying pet Continue reading …

Pit bull heals Army veteran’s broken heart

Dale and Maximus Christmas

The much-maligned pit bull is pure myth for one veteran whose broken heart was made whole after the death of his beloved pet dog. Dale is a Vietnam veteran who enlisted in the US Army and served as a combat engineer in Germany from 1969 to 1972. Other than the time he spent in the Army, Dale had never lived without the faithful companionship of a dog. In June 2012, Dale and his wife, Sue, had to put to sleep their beloved 13-year old Doberman, Destiny, who had succumbed to old age. Dale was devastated by this loss. A house without a dog is not a home After Destiny passed away, Continue reading …

The PCS-ing cat and dog: part 2

PCS-ing cat and dog part 2

By Dr. Rebecca Jackson, DVM  In the previous post about the PCS-ing cat and dog, we looked at what all pets need to successfully relocate overseas. In this one, we will look at what only some pets will need.  Some pets will need: A FAVN blood test An import form (varies by country) Flea and tick preventative applied at the time of health certification Dewormer given at the time of health certification FAVN blood test Some countries require your pet have a FAVN blood test prior to entry to check their rabies antibody levels. Now here is the tricky part: each country has different Continue reading …

The PCS-ing cat and dog: part 1

PCS and your pet part 1

By Dr. Rebecca Jackson, DVM When a United States Armed Forces service member receives a Permanent Change of Station order, there also comes an unwritten list of “things to do prior to moving.” There is outprocessing, organizing the move, preparing the family, saying your good-byes … the list goes on and on. And, of course, don’t forget your pets!  These days, the regulations involved in moving or traveling with the family pet overseas are becoming more complex. Relocating can be incredibly stressful for both you and your pet, but don’t worry: this article and its sequel will help Continue reading …

Vietnam veteran’s best friend is a cat, not a canine

Lawrence and Tweedy

It is often said that a dog is a man’s best friend, but for one Vietnam veteran a special needs cat – not a canine – fills that role. It is a sad truth that young, small and healthy cats and dogs are the first to be adopted at shelters across the country. This means older, large-breed and special need pets are left to either live out the rest of their lives in shelters or, even worse, are euthanized. Every year animal shelters throughout the United States care for approximately six to eight million dogs and cats, however, more than half are put to death because no one adopts Continue reading …

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