Military men and women deploying overseas have few options for the care of their pets. Soldiers, often called up on a moment’s notice, face the only alternatives of surrendering pets to a new home, dumping them in a shelter, or simply abandoning them. Pets are part of the family and while help is available for soldiers’ families, there is often no one to care for the pets.
Even when friends or relatives are willing to help with the soldier’s dog or cat, problems can arise if the new animal has conflicts with existing pets, family members, or housing arrangements. Overwhelmed shelters are filling with military pets and sometimes their only option is, sadly, to reject the pet or put it to sleep. Indeed, innocent animals are paying a price for our country’s conflicts.
Organizations and Foster Homes Support Troops
Realizing the tremendous need, organizations like Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet (GASP) and NetPets Military Pets Foster Project have formed nation wide networks of foster homes to support troops by providing another alternative to deploying soldiers. Foster families provide love and care for military pets in a home environment until they can be reunited with their owner. All kinds of animals, including dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, and fish live in the comfort and safety of foster homes until the soldier returns.
Families who want to support the troops by fostering a pet can fill out an application outlining what kind of pets they would like to foster, what services they are interested in providing and for what length of time. Soldiers also draw up a resume of sorts describing the pet’s temperament, favorite foods and toys, health history, care needs, who is responsible for expenses or any damages done by the pet, what to do if the animal gets sick or if the soldier does not return. When a good match is found, specifics of the agreement can be drawn up into a signed contract.
How Military Service Members Find Care for Pets
Military members can contact these organizations or check locally with veterinary offices, shelters, regional agencies, dog training clubs, and any community organization involved in pet rescue for information about families who wish to provide foster care for military pets. Some boarding facilities also offer significant discounts to military pet owners needing long term boarding.
Caring foster homes provide military persons, who already sacrifice so much, with the peace of mind of knowing their pet is well cared for and waiting for them when they return home.
Readers interested in supporting troops may also be interested in how to send care packages to military working dogs and their handlers.
Joy Butler - Writer, retired lab tech, mom, and animal lover with over 20 years' experience rescuing, kenneling, training and showing dogs.
Join the Conversation