This page contains some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) that people have about adult pets, our organization and how we help members of the military community. Check back regularly; we update this section often. If you have a question that you don’t see here, send it to us at info at petsforpatriots dot org.
FAQ sections
How we work
Q: Who is eligible for an honorably adopted pet?
Men and women at all stages of their military careers: active, retired, veteran, prior service, reserve, inactive reserve and national guard, from all branches of the military, including the Coast Guard.
Q: How does Pets for Patriots help military members?
If you are a member Patriot and complete an eligible adoption from one of our member shelters, we pay the full adoption fee and provide members-only access to reduced cost pet care through our cooperating retailers and service providers. In addition, our member veterinarians have pledged to give member Patriots at least 10% off their standard fees. We’re determined to make the joys of pet ownership affordable for members of the military community.
Q: What is an eligible adoption?
An eligible adoption is one that is made through one of our member shelters, rescues, humane societies or SPCAs. Adult dogs and cats - at least two years old - and large dogs are eligible, as are dogs and cats with special needs. Puppies and kittens, cute as they are, aren’t eligible.
Q: Why don’t you pay for the adoption of puppies and kittens?
While we advocate for the adoption of all shelter animals, our not-for-profit is focused on helping those harder-to-place pets – adult dogs and cats, and larger dogs – because they’re usually overlooked. Most shelters have ample demand for puppies and kittens. We help shelters by supporting the adoption of grown up dogs and cats who still have plenty of love and life to give.
Q: Where do I apply to become a member Patriot?
You can apply online and your membership is dependent upon verification of your military service. Membership is free.
Q: What proof of military service is required?
Anyone applying to be a member Patriot will be required to provide a copy of his or her military ID card. Retired service members and veterans must provide a copy of their DD214, proof of discharge.
Q: Why do I have to provide my military ID or DD214?
This helps us ensure that we meet our mission objectives by assisting only those who actually served or are serving in our nation’s military.
Q: When should I apply to become a member Patriot?
You can apply at any time, but to receive access to members-only reduced cost pet care and products, you need to complete an eligible adoption.
Q: I’m already a member Patriot. What do I need to do to adopt an eligible pet?
Go to any of our member shelters, rescues, humane societies or SPCAs and show them your Pets for Patriots membership confirmation. This is all they need to know that your eligible adoption will be paid for by Pets for Patriots, and they’ll help you find your new best friend.
Q: I’m at a member shelter and forgot my Pets for Patriots membership confirmation; can I still adopt a pet?
Yes. Just ask them to call us at 877-4-PET CADET (877-473-8223) to confirm that you’re one of our loyal member Patriots.
Q: Who determines if I’m an eligible pet adopter?
That decision is entirely up to the member shelter, rescue, humane society or SPCA. They’re best able to determine whether you would make a good adoptive pet parent, if you can provide a stable home for the pet and to pair you with a dog or cat suited to your needs and lifestyle. We share their goal to make permanent adoptions and avoid animals being ‘recycled’ back to the shelter.
Q: I’m the spouse/parent of a fallen soldier; am I eligible for an honorable adoption?
At the moment we don’t sponsor adoptions for parents or spouses of those military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. However, we’re working on ways to verify eligibility that are sensitive to the family and upholds our fiduciary responsibility to our donors. Check back from time to time, or sign up for email from us to stay informed.
Adult pets
Q: When is a pet considered an adult?
Physiological and behavioral maturity in pets don’t always occur at the same time, and adult behavior often varies with the life expectancy of a particular breed or type of animal. Cats tend to live longer than most dog breeds, and might not be considered adult til they’re five or six years of age. Most dogs are considered young adults by age 2, and mature adults by age five.
Q: What is Pets for Patriots’ criteria for an adult pet?
We consider a dog or cat an adult if it’s at least two years old. However, many animals in shelters are older, yet are still valuable pets and with many years of love to give. Our member shelters have discretion as to the adult pets they adopt out through Pets for Patriots; we simply require that they be at least two years old.
Q: What is a special needs pet?
A special needs pet might be an animal that is disabled or otherwise limited in its physical abilities due to injury, abuse or birth defect, or an animal that has a medical condition that requires vigilance, medication or other treatment. Some previously abused or neglected animals might require special living situations - for example, no small children or other household pets. Our member shelters do their best to match your needs and household situation with an appropriate pet, and can counsel you on whether you’re a good fit for a special needs dog or cat.
Q: What happens to adult pets who don’t get adopted?
At least half of the nearly eight million pets sent to shelters annually in the U.S. are killed because no one adopts them. Puppies and kittens are readily adopted, so the math suggests that a majority of adult dogs and cats are put to death if they aren’t re-homed.
Q: Are adult pets good for families with children?
Many are, but the shelter will be best able to advise you on whether a specific pet is good for your household. Some animals are good with children while others are not. Speak to a member shelter near you and they’ll help you find a pet suitable to your family and living situation.
Q: Are adult pets good for the elderly?
Older pets are often a better choice for an elderly family member because they’re already trained and are over their exuberant puppy or kitten stage. In short, they’re more sedate and less likely to engage in erratic behavior. They are already trained and housebroken, or litter box trained, if it’s a cat. In a stable, loving home, these animals will give years of unconditional friendship, companionship and joy. For more on this topic, see Benefits of an adult pet and How pets help Patriots.
Q: Do adult pets require special food or care?
As dogs and cats enter adulthood they often require food with different nutrients than they needed as puppies or kittens. With age their metabolism will slow, at which time you’ll want to consider switching to foods that are developed specifically for adult pets. Spaying and neutering, which we strongly recommend, can impact metabolism as well. Most adult animals will have received their major vaccinations when they were young, but might require preventative treatments for heart worms, fleas or other issues. Consult our member shelters and veterinarians for specific advice on the best nutrition and care plan for your adopted pet’s stage of life.
Supporting our cause
Q: Is Pets for Patriots a legitimate charity?
Yes. We’re a 501(c)(3) organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service. Your contribution is tax-deductible by law.
Q: How can I support the organization?
We welcome donations from individuals like you; no gift is too small or too large. You can donate online or by mail. Your gift will help us educate people about the benefits of adult pets and pay for our military members to honorably adopt their new best friends. Your contribution is tax-deductible by law.
Q: Do you accept recurring or monthly donations?
Yes. Become part of our Pets for Patriots Pet Brigade by pledging a monthly gift. Simply go to our online donation form, select the ‘monthly giving’ option and the dollar amount you’d like to give each month. We’ll bill your credit card once a month for the amount that you specify. Your contribution is tax-deductible by law.
Q: I’m a Pet Brigade member; how do I change my monthly pledge?
Please call us at 877-4-PET CADET (877-473-8223) with the new amount you’d like to give. We’ll make the adjustment for you.
Q: How can our company help Pets for Patriots?
We appreciate the support of our corporate sponsors, grantors and partners. Please call Beth Zimmerman at 877-4-PET CADET (877-473-8223), or email her at info at petsforpatriots dot org to talk about how your company can support our cause.
Q: Do you accept in-kind donations?
At this time we’re seeking monetary donations only, but anticipate the need for donations to adoption ‘goodie baskets’ soon. Please call Beth Zimmerman at 877-4-PET CADET (877-473-8223), or email her at info at petsforpatriots dot org to talk about how you can support our cause.