Pets for Vets, Inc. is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization founded by animal trainer Clarissa Black. Her latest endeavor is developing the Pets for Vets program. During her experience working with therapy dogs in the company of America’s veterans and wounded soldiers, she saw firsthand how important animals can be in recovery. This led her to develop a charitable organization dedicated to rescuing shelter animals training them and pairing them with American veterans with a desire to have a companion.
The Pets for Vets program is dedicated to providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America’s veterans who could benefit from a companion animal.
Companion animals can be the life saving therapy or friend that many returning service men and women need.
- There are alarming statistics of suicide, family abuse and post traumatic stress disorder facing veterans returning to civilian life after military duty.
- Returning vets may suffer from a downward spiral of apathy, unemployment, broken relationships, addiction and depression.
- Medical studies have shown that companion animals significantly improve mental and physical health, including reducing stress, depression and anxiety, symptoms experienced by many serving in the military.
The good news for our local veterans is that a Michigan of Chapter for Pets for Vets is forming now.
The Pets for Vets Team function:
- Interviews are done with the veteran to understand what he/she is looking for in a companion animal,
- The comprehensive search is done for a dog from a local rescue,
- The dog’s health and vaccinations are checked by a veterinarian.
- The pet spends time with the trainer who teaches him/her basic obedience and other valuable behaviors.
- With each dog/veteran match they provide all of the necessary equipment for them to start their new life together.
Apply to be a trainer
Pets for Vets advocates the use of humane and positive reward based methods. Force-free methods motivate dogs to be eager to work and produce consistent results with less stress. The keys to a successful Pet for Vets match is based on selection of the pet and the in-home training each dog receives prior to placement. This is reassuring to the veteran that their companion animal is already house-trained and has basic obedience and manners training.
Beginning in January 2012 Pets for Vets preliminary trainer hiring survey will be accepted. The application will inquire about your training history, credentials, methods used along with other questions to help them find the best matches for this program.
To receive a trainer application, send an email to: debmonroemsa@gmail.com. Please include your name, phone, address and the best time of day for the training coordinator to reach you.
Our country owes military veterans a debt of gratitude for their honorable service in all recent conflicts. Apply so you can be a part of a team that provides help and healing as they return to civilian life.
