Contents
Military Pet Boarding: Organizations Helping Service Members Care for Their Pets
When military personnel are deployed, they face many challenges, including long periods away from family, friends, and beloved pets. While people can understand and prepare for your absence, pets don’t understand why their owners suddenly disappear.
Finding a safe and reliable place to board pets during deployments can add extra stress to an already demanding situation. Fortunately, several organizations are dedicated to helping military members care for their pets while they serve.
Below are four standout groups offering essential support to service members and their furry companions.
1. Dogs on Deployment
In Operation Since: 2011
Dogs on Deployment is a non-profit organization established in 2011 to help military personnel find volunteer boarders for their pets during deployment. This organization understands the unique challenges faced by military pet owners and works to provide safe, loving homes for pets while their owners are away.
Services Offered: Dogs on Deployment connects service members with a vast network of volunteer pet foster homes across the country.
In addition to boarding services, they provide financial assistance for pet-related emergencies, such as veterinary care, ensuring that pets are well taken care of even in unexpected situations.
2. PACT for Animals
In Operation Since: 2009
PACT for Animals, another non-profit organization, has been serving military families since 2009 by offering temporary foster homes for their pets.
With operations in all 50 states, PACT has helped place over 3,000 pets in safe homes during their owners’ deployments.
Services Offered: PACT for Animals matches military personnel with foster pet parents in their area, providing both short- and long-term care for pets.
rThey also offer emergency support and maintain open communication between pet owners and foster families, ensuring that everyone is comfortable throughout the deployment period.
3. Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet
In Operation Since: 2005
Founded in 2005, Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet was created to address the difficulties military families face in finding pet care during deployments.
The organization connects service members with volunteer foster families across the U.S., helping to bridge the gap between military duty and pet ownership.
Services Offered: Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet provides temporary homes for pets of military members and veterans.
They also extend their services to veterans who are facing homelessness, health challenges, or other hardships, offering them peace of mind by caring for their pets during difficult times.
4. American Humane Military Initiatives
In Operation Since: 1877
As the oldest organization on this list, American Humane has been promoting the welfare and safety of animals since 1877. Their military initiative focuses on supporting military personnel and their pets during times of deployment, offering guidance and resources.
Services Offered: Although American Humane does not operate its own foster program, it helps military families by connecting them with organizations like Dogs on Deployment and PACT for Animals. American Humane offers educational resources, advice, and support to service members navigating the process of finding temporary homes for their pets.
Additional Resources for Military Pet Boarding
In addition to the non-profits mentioned above, there are several other resources that can assist military families with pet care during deployments.
- 911 Foster Pets: This organization helps people, including military personnel, find emergency foster homes for their pets when immediate care is needed.
- Camp Bow Wow: A national boarding facility with locations across the U.S., offering short- and long-term boarding options. With certified staff, spacious play areas, and webcams, military members can board their pets here and check in on them while away.
- Dogtopia: A pet boarding company that offers full-day exercise, social interaction, and entertainment for pets. With over 200 locations, it’s a convenient option for military families needing pet care during deployments.
How You Can Help
Civilians looking to support military personnel and their pets have several ways to contribute:
- Volunteer: Many organizations rely on volunteers to provide temporary homes for military pets. Opening your home to a service member’s pet can make a huge difference.
- Donate: If you’re unable to foster, financial contributions are always welcomed. Donations help cover the costs of emergency vet care, food, and other pet-related expenses while service members are deployed.
- Spread Awareness: Sharing information about these organizations on social media or within your community can raise awareness about the challenges military families face when finding pet care. Your efforts could inspire others to volunteer or donate.
Conclusion
For military personnel facing deployment, knowing their pets are safe and cared for can bring great peace of mind. Organizations like Dogs on Deployment, PACT for Animals, and Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pets provide essential support by connecting service members with loving foster homes for their pets.
Meanwhile, American Humane’s Military Initiatives help guide families to the right resources. If you’re looking for a way to support military families.
FAQ’s
What organizations help military personnel with pet boarding during deployment?
Several non-profit organizations provide support to military personnel in finding temporary homes for their pets during deployment. Key organizations include:
- Dogs on Deployment
- PACT for Animals
- Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet
- American Humane Military Initiatives Each organization helps match military families with volunteer foster homes or resources to ensure pets are cared for while their owners are away.
2. How does Dogs on Deployment work?
Dogs on Deployment connects military personnel with a network of volunteer boarders across the country who offer temporary homes for pets during deployment. They also provide financial assistance for pet-related emergencies, such as unexpected veterinary bills. The organization’s mission is to ensure military pets are in safe, loving environments until their owners return.
3. Can these services help if I am deployed on short notice?
Yes, many of these organizations, including PACT for Animals and 911 Foster Pets, specialize in emergency situations. They offer swift assistance by connecting service members with foster homes that can accommodate short-notice deployments or emergencies.
4. What if I can’t find a volunteer foster home for my pet?
If volunteer foster homes are not available, organizations like American Humane can guide you to commercial boarding options, such as Camp Bow Wow or Dogtopia, which offer boarding services to military families. Some boarding facilities may offer discounts for military members, helping alleviate the financial burden.
5. How can I support these organizations if I’m a civilian?
You can support military pet boarding organizations in several ways:
- Volunteer: Open your home to foster pets for service members.
- Donate: Provide financial support to cover pet care, emergency medical costs, or operational expenses for these non-profits.
- Spread Awareness: Share information about these organizations on social media or in your community to raise awareness and encourage others to get involved.
6. Do these organizations only help with dogs, or can other pets be fostered too?
While many of these organizations focus primarily on dogs, they often help with a variety of pets, including cats and other animals. Groups like PACT for Animals and Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet can assist in finding temporary care for different types of pets, depending on the foster network availability. Always check with the specific organization to confirm their services.
