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National Pets for Veterans Day

Show your support for Veterans this National Pets for Veterans Day! Donate to help provide furry friends to those who served.

Wednesday

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEOctober 21

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAnimals

SUBCATEGORYPets

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to show your support for veterans on National Pets for Veterans Day, October 21! This special day was created in 2018 to recognize the incredible bond between veterans and their pets. It's a great way to honor those who have served our country and encourage others to provide emotional support animals for disabled vets. From cats and dogs, to parrots and rabbits – all kinds of pets can make a difference in the lives of our brave heroes.

TIMELINE

National Pets for Veterans Day Timeline

First Pets for Vets Programs Founded

The first recognized organizations to match service animals with veterans begin, notably including Pets for Vets and K9s for Warriors.

Benefits of Pets for Veterans Recognized

Notable studies, including one published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, begin to show the significant benefits of pets for veterans suffering from PTSD.

Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) Act

The PAWS Act is introduced in Congress to provide funding for service dogs to assist veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

First National Pets for Veterans Day

The inaugural National Pets for Veterans Day is celebrated, having been created to raise awareness of the benefits of service and companion animals to veterans.

Programs Continue Despite Pandemic

Despite global pandemic concerns, pet adoption programs for veterans continue, using virtual technology and COVID-safe practices to match veterans with support animals.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Pets for Veterans Day

Donate pet supplies

Gather your unused pet supplies and donate them to a local organization that connects veterans with pets. This could include food, beds, toys, leashes and more.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a shelter

Find a nearby animal shelter or rescue and volunteer your time to help care for animals in need of homes. Many shelters have special programs for veterans looking for a furry friend.

ORGANIZE

Organize an adoption event

Put together an adoption event for veterans in the community and invite pet rescues or shelters to show off their available dogs and cats. Make sure you have plenty of volunteers to help out.

START

Start a fundraising drive

Organize a fundraising drive to help cover the costs associated with adopting pets for veterans in need. Consider setting up an online donation page or hosting a bake sale.

RAISE

Raise awareness

Spread the word about National Pets for Veterans Day by creating a social media campaign or writing letters to lawmakers about the importance of supporting veterans who want to adopt pets.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Pets for Veterans Day is Important

Pets offer practical benefits

Beyond the emotional benefits of pet ownership, there are practical benefits as well. Pets have been known to assist those with PTSD by alerting them to potential dangers. They also provide company during walks in nature - an activity which has been proven to improve veterans’ mental health and overall wellbeing.

Pets can help reduce stress

Pets provide an immense source of emotional support that can help combat the physical and mental stress that is often associated with being a veteran. Petting, playing, or just cuddling with a furry friend can release endorphins that trigger feelings of contentment in both humans and animals.

Pets provide companionship

For veterans who have lost friends or family members due to their service, having a pet can be a great comfort. The companionship, loyalty, and unconditional love from a pet is invaluable for someone going through difficult times.