Our military personnel must make certain sacrifices when they enter the armed forces and are deployed, including experiencing long periods away from loved ones and pets. While people understand why you’re leaving, pets are another story, and having to find a place for your dog to board while you’re gone can add to the problem. Fortunately, some helpful groups can provide homes for members’ pets while they are away. Here are some options so you can see if one is right for you.
The 4 Military Dog Boarding Groups
1. Dogs on Deployment
Dogs on Deployment is a non-profit organization that helps military personnel find volunteer boarders for their pets when they need to leave on deployment. It was started in 2011, and its mission is to address the need for reliable and safe pet care for military personnel. It also advocates for pet owner rights within the military and provides education about pet care.
Services offered:
Dogs on Deployment has a large network of volunteers across the country waiting to house and care for pets while their military owners are away. It also offers financial assistance to soldiers experiencing pet-related emergencies, such as unexpected veterinary care.
2. PACT for Animals
PACT for Animals is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing foster care to the pets of military personnel while they are away. It started in 2009, operates in all 50 states, and has helped find temporary homes for more than 3,000 pets.
Services offered:
PACT for Animals helps match military personnel with foster pet parents in their area who can care for their pets while they are away. It also offers emergency support for military personnel and foster homes and facilitates communication between pets, their owners, and temporary foster parents to help make the all.
3. Guardian Angels for the Soldier’s Pet
Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet was started in 2005, when Linda Spurlin-Dominik and Carol Olmedo realized that people in the armed services across the country had trouble finding someone to care for their pets while they were away. . They want to bridge the gap between pet ownership and military duties.
Services offered:
Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet helps connect military members with volunteer foster families in all 50 states. It also provides services to veterans who face homelessness, health problems, or other issues that cause them to need temporary homes for their pets.
4. American Humane Military Initiatives
American Humane is the oldest organization on this list, as it was started in 1877. It aims to improve the safety and welfare of animals, and its military initiative aims to provide support for military personnel and their pets at times of deployment.
Services offered:
Although American Humane does not operate an in-house fostering program like the other options on this list, it can help you contact the help you need. It also provides advice, resources, and guidance to military personnel who need help finding temporary homes for their pets. It works with shelters and private groups, including Dogs on Deployment and PACT for Animals, and will guide you through the sign-up process for those organizations.
Other Resources
911 Foster Pets
911 Foster Pets is an organization for anyone facing a pet emergency, including military personnel, and will help you find a quick home for your pet if you suddenly have to leave.
Camp Bow Wow
Camp Bow Wow is a great option for anyone, including military personnel, who need to board their pet quickly because they have to leave town. This organization has locations across the country, a CPR-certified staff, spacious play areas, and 24/7 security. It also uses webcams, so you can see your pet while you’re away.
Dogtopia
Dogtopia is a great location for pet boarding that is off limits to military personnel. It offers short-term and long-term boarding options and keeps your pet entertained throughout the day with exercise and fun, along with plenty of interaction with other people and pets. With more than 200 locations across the United States, it shouldn’t be too hard to find one if you need it.
How can you help?
If you want to help people in the military find homes for their pets while they’re out of town, there are a few things you can do.
Volunteer
Many of the organizations on this list rely on volunteers to provide homes for animals while their military owners are away. If you have the ability, opening your home to pets can provide a valuable resource to many soldiers.
Donate
Even if you can’t open your home to pets, a great way to help is to donate money. You can contribute to any of the organizations on this list through their websites, and they will all be grateful for it.
Spread Awareness
Spreading awareness is a worthwhile way you can contribute even with a limited budget. Talking on social media and other places about these groups and the plight of people in the military when they have to leave their pets behind can help get other people involved who can give up their homes. or money to help.
Conclusion
If you’re in the military and need help boarding your pet while you’re away on assignment, Dogs on Deployment, PACT for Animals, and Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet can put you in touch with volunteers who are willing to watch. your pet for you. American Humane Military Initiatives can help educate you and connect you to valuable resources that may also help. There are several commercial dog boarding establishments that are open to everyone, and some may even offer a military discount.
If you’re a civilian looking to support great military people and their pets, volunteering in your home, donating funds, and spreading awareness can be a big help.
Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
