Veterans with pets experience mental, emotional, and physical benefits through having a furry companion. Owning a pet can be very therapeutic, helping veterans heal through bonding, companionship, and even by providing structure into their lives.
Keep reading to learn about the benefits of having a pet for veterans.
Supporting Veterans with Pets
Companionship is one of the most significant benefits of adopting a pet for veterans. Having a strong connection with a pet can be as powerful as bonding with another person. This kind of emotional tie can bring great comfort to both veterans and their pet, fostering unconditional love and friendship. Having a pet can bring a sense of emotional support for veterans. This support can aid in alleviating feelings of loneliness, isolation, and distress brought on by conditions like PTSD. Similarly, owning a pet can involve having a service dog. Service dogs can help support veterans with disabilities, making physical activities and tasks easier.
Who Rescued Who?
Having a strong relationship with a pet is often regarded with the saying, “Who rescued who?” Both veterans and their pets benefit from being paired together. Adopting a pet provides support not just for veterans, but for these pets to find a loving and nurturing home. Some pets may be searching for their own sense of comfort from the conditions they’ve experienced, just like their owners.
Resources for Veterans With Pets
Resources for veterans with pets are plentiful, with various organizations and sites dedicated to providing support for those with or searching for a pet. Both local and nationwide organizations exist to provide different kinds of support for veteran pet owners.
Pets for Vets is an organization that matches veterans with pets in need with the goal of finding the perfect match by considering one’s needs, wants, and hopes with their new companion. This can be a great program for veterans searching for a pet that can fit their specific needs and lifestyle. Another resource for current veteran pet owners is Dogs on Deployment. This is an organization dedicated to finding care for pets while their owner is deployed or has other service commitments. Having these resources can be helpful for current and future pet owners, and can provide guidance when finding the right companion and the care they need.
Conclusion
Owning a pet can bring a source of companionship to veterans’ lives. Pets can help veterans heal from the stress that military service may have brought on and provide emotional, mental, and physical support to their owners. Finding resources for pet owners and future pet owners is very accessible, with many organizations focusing on providing support for pets and their owners.
Supporting veterans through programs that match them with the perfect pet is part of showing respect and appreciation for their service. The Ferry Godmother Rink by Ferry Godmother Productions shows their support for female veterans through a virtual art gallery, showcasing their work and honoring their legacy. To learn more, visit Ferry Godmother Productions.