Pets for Vets
Pets for Vets is a U.S. nonprofit started in 2009 by Clarissa Black. Its mission is to enrich the lives of veterans by creating a life-changing bond with shelter or rescue pets and by providing ongoing expert support at no cost to the veteran.
How it works: The organization rescues animals from local shelters, trains them using positive reinforcement, and matches them with veterans who need a companion. Most matches are dogs, but cats, rabbits, and birds can also be paired. Each dog receives basic obedience training plus any extra skills to fit into the veteran’s home. The team offers ongoing guidance to maintain a strong bond.
Why it helps: Many veterans face combat-related stress or other emotional challenges. Pets can reduce stress, loneliness, and anxiety, improve mood, and encourage exercise and daily routine. While not every veteran needs a service dog, most can benefit from having a loving pet partner.
Impact and scale: The program aims to expand its network of expert trainers to reach more veterans and animals. In 2015, Pets for Vets reported about $1.28 million in revenue and roughly $426,000 in expenses.
Learn more: Website: petsforvets.com
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 14:39 (CET).