.svg)
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.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Pets for Vets Programs Founded</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first recognized organizations to match service animals with veterans begin, notably including Pets for Vets and K9s for Warriors.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Benefits of Pets for Veterans Recognized</div><div class='timeline-text'>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.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The PAWS Act is introduced in Congress to provide funding for service dogs to assist veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2018</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Pets for Veterans Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>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.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Programs Continue Despite Pandemic</div><div class='timeline-text'>Despite global pandemic concerns, pet adoption programs for veterans continue, using virtual technology and COVID-safe practices to match veterans with support animals.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate pet supplies</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a shelter</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize an adoption event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Start a fundraising drive</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Raise awareness</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Pets can help reduce stress</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Pets provide companionship</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Pets offer practical benefits</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Service Animals Require Specialized Training</h3><p class='facts-content'>Not all pets can become service animals. They undergo rigorous training to perform specific tasks that can aid with their owner's disabilities– from guiding blind people to detecting imminent seizures.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pets Can Assist with Physical Rehabilitation</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many veterans are faced with physical challenges post-service. Pets - particularly dogs - have been used in therapy sessions to improve motor skills, strength, and balance in their owners.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Bond Between Veterans and Their Pets Can Lower Suicide Rates</h3><p class='facts-content'>A study showed a significant decrease in suicidal thoughts amongst veterans who had access to animal companionship. The bond formed helps to ease feelings of seclusion and distress often experienced by veterans.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Adopting Pets Can Positively Impact Local Communities</h3><p class='facts-content'>An aspect often overlooked is the positive ripple effect these adoptions have on local communities. They not only help veterans, but also reduce the number of animals in shelters, encouraging a culture of adoption over purchase.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pets Can Provide Veterans a Sense of Purpose</h3><p class='facts-content'>Caring for a pet instills a routine and a sense of responsibility which can often provide veterans with a renewed sense of purpose and direction, aiding with their transition to civilian life.</p></div></div>
National Pets for Veterans Day is celebrated on October 21 every year. In 2024, the date will fall on a Monday.
2023
Oct 21
Saturday
2024
Oct 21
Monday
2025
Oct 21
Tuesday
2026
Oct 21
Wednesday
2027
Oct 21
Thursday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
