VA Foster Volunteers Needed
Our Mission
Cincinnati VA Medical Center has partnered with Pets for Patients. Veterans can be a part of the special mission of rescuing shelter pets and connecting these pets with families of chronically ill children who are in need of the hope and healing that a companion can provide. Interested Veterans can participate by fostering a shelter animal and providing training so the animal is placed, ready to be the perfect family pet.
Expenses
Rescue fees, veterinarian visits, food, and supplies are all covered.
Program Goals
Connect Veterans with the Pets for Patients program
Teach Veteran volunteers how to properly train and foster rescue animals
Improve Veteran physical and mental health
Connect a chronically-ill child with a companion animal, trained specifically for the child’s needs
Provide a sense of meaning and helping
Benefits
Did you know interacting with animals can improve both your physical and mental health? There are numerous benefits to fostering and interacting with pets, that can include:
Increased exercise and outdoor activities
Increased socialization
Decreased feelings of loneliness
Decreased blood pressure
Decreased cholesterol levels
Decreased triglyceride levels
Foster Requirements
Pets for Patients will ensure each foster placement is a good fit for the Veteran and the animal. While not all inclusive, here are basic requirements for Veterans interested in fostering a dog:
Provide a safe environment for the dog, both inside and outside
Provide fresh food and water
Provide the dog with daily exercise
Keep a collar with ID tags on the dog at all times
Be able to transport the dog to veterinary appts or make alternate arrangements for transport
Make themselves available to Pets for Patients representatives
Allow a Pets for Patients representative to visit the home environment
Interested in becoming a volunteer?
Email petsforpatients@gmail.com stating you are a Veteran interested in being a part of their foster program. Please also include the signed documents below:
(Pets for Patients reserves the right to ask for a background check with any volunteer)
Our success stories
With amazing support from our community, network and generous donors, Pets for Patients has currently placed more than 30 pets with families. The results and bond created have been nothing short of outstanding.
