Specialist Steven Mangiameli’s life changed the day he found
a Pets for Vets brochure at the VA. Ten years in the Army left him with
depression, anxiety and a debilitating sense of loneliness. He spent many days
in bed unable to face the world. He expressed to Pets for Vets that he was in
great need of a companion. Click for full story.
Healing Vets and Saving Pets
At Pets for Vets, we believe our country owes military veterans a debt of gratitude. Our soldiers have been brave but many of them have returned with physical and emotional injuries that have made it difficult to transition back to civilian life. Some estimates state that as many as 20% of returning military veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Our Story…
Pets for Vets is helping.
Our goal is to help heal the emotional wounds of military veterans by pairing them with a shelter dog that is specially selected to match his or her personality. Professional animal trainers rehabilitate the dogs and teach them good manners to fit into the veteran’s lifestyle. Training can also include desensitization to wheel chairs or crutches as well as recognizing panic or anxiety disorder behaviors.
It’s win-win.
Needy shelter dogs receive a second chance at life while giving our returning soldiers a second chance at health and happiness. The bonds of friendship formed between man and animal have the power to ease the suffering of our troops when they return from overseas.
Saying Thank You
Pets for Vets is a concrete way to thank U.S. Military Veterans for their service.
- Featured on NPR, CBS2 and CNN, PBS and the Pentagon Channel
- Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law
- Serving veterans in our chapter areas.
- With each veteran-pet match we provide the necessary equipment for them to start their new life together
Veterans in our chapter areas who could benefit from having a companion animal and who are also able to care for an animal are eligible to receive a Pets for Vets companion animal.
