Gold Star Family pet adoption
How it works
What to expect, benefits, and program qualifications
01
Gold Star family benefits: what to expect
When you join Pets for Patriots, you…
Receive discounts or other specials when you adopt from our shelter partners
Enjoy discounts from our veterinary partners (not available in all locations), savings from VIP Petcare clinics nationwide, and 20% off your first year of Vetster Plus for 24/7 access to veterinary telehealth care
Enjoy member-only savings on everyday supplies, pet insurance, food and more
Receive a $200 pet retailer gift card to help you buy ‘welcome home’ pet food and supplies
Get the unconditional love of a companion dog or cat
02
You must have…
1 shelter/rescue partner within 40 driving miles of your home address
03
Proof of Gold Star status: who is eligible to apply
Applicants must…
Be the spouse of a fallen hero or one declared missing in action
Be listed as spouse on the fallen hero’s DD1300 (Report of Casualty)
If subsequently remarried or changed name for any reason, provide proof of legal name change(s)
04
Eligible pets: which pets qualify for our program
Your new pet must be adopted through our shelter partner network and meet one of the following criteria…
Dog or cat, at least 2 years of age
Dog or cat with special needs
Dog or cat homeless 6+ months
You must be approved by Pets for Patriots prior to adoption (exceptions for weekend and federal holiday adoptions)
05
Application process: how to get started
Pets for Patriots accepts applications online 24/7…
Complete our online application (takes about 5 minutes)
If you do not meet our application criteria we’ll send you an email explaining why
If you meet our application criteria we’ll send you an email requesting eligibility documents
If you are not approved or if we have questions about your documents we’ll follow up by email
If you are approved we’ll send you an approval email with instructions on how to adopt your new best friend
Gold Star Family FAQ
Can I adopt a pet I found at a non-participating shelter/rescue?
We honor only eligible dogs and cats adopted from approved shelter/rescue partners. You can find a current listing here. They have lots of fabulous pets just waiting for you!
Can I get a service dog through Pets for Patriots?
No. Pets for Patriots is exclusively for the adoption of companion pets. We are not involved with the acquisition, training, or funding of of service animals. If you need a service animal please visit our resoures page for a list of organizations that may be able to assist you.
A dog I’m interested to adopt will likely grow to be at least 40 pounds; does he qualify?
A dog must be 40 pounds or more at the time of adoption, if not already at least two years old, or with a documented special need, or homeless for at least six months. Learn more about pet eligibility here.
I’m already adopted a pet through Pets for Patriots; can I adopt another?
Pets for Patriots members may adopt up to two program-eligible pets per person/per household, either simultaneously or over time. Each pet must still meet our eligibility criteria and be adopted through one of our shelter/rescue partners.
Each program-eligible pet would receive all Pets for Patriots benefits. Learn more about pet eligibility here.
I have remarried since the passing of my fallen hero. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes! We will request proof of legal name change(s) if your name differs from the one on your fallen hero’s DD1300.
I’m an older individual; am I eligible to apply?
Yes! We’re proud to serve adopters of all ages.
I live outside of your program area; can I still adopt a pet?
Individuals who live marginally outside of this requirement should fill out our pre-qualification application. It will be rejected and automatically reviewed by our staff. All such situations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with reasonable accommodations for individuals living in rural areas.
Please DO NOT or complete our contact form to request a location exception.
I was approved by Pets for Patriots and have since moved out of your program area. Can I still adopt a pet?
My adopted dog needs some basic training; will Pets for Patriots help pay for this?
No, but you can likely find an affordable group training class at your local shelter, or PETCO or Petsmart store. Check with your local animal shelter as well since many offer low or even no-cost group training sessions.