Honoring Vets - Helping Pets

Because Every Hero Deserves a Loyal Friend

Honoring Vets - Helping Pets image

Honoring Vets - Helping Pets: Supporting Our Veterans Through Companionship & Resources

The Humane Society of St. Joseph County is proud to launch Honoring Vets - Helping Pets, an ongoing program dedicated to connecting local veterans with loving, adoptable animals at no cost—on Veterans Day and every day.

This initiative honors the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes by offering the emotional support, companionship, and purpose that come from caring for a pet, without the financial barriers that can sometimes stand in the way of adoption.

What the Program Provides

Qualifying veterans and active duty service members will receive:

  • Waived adoption fees*
  • Adopted pet will have their initial vaccinations, be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and receive preventative care.
  • Ongoing assistance and support to ensure long-term success

Veterans must provide a Military ID, Veteran ID Card, or other verified proof of service to qualify.

Why It Matters

Countless studies show that companion animals can help reduce anxiety, ease symptoms of PTSD, and foster a sense of connection and routine. By pairing veterans and active service members with shelter pets in need of homes, we’re building bonds that transform two lives at once.

How You Can Help

Community support makes this program possible.
Individuals, families, and businesses can sustain Honoring Vets - Helping Pets by making a tax-deductible donation.

Your gift helps fund:

  • Medical care and vaccinations
  • Training and enrichment programs
  • Food and essential supplies
  • Long-term support services for veterans and their pets

Together, we can honor our heroes, give shelter pets a second chance, and build a stronger, more compassionate community.

Your Donation Matters

$25 — Welcome Home Kit

Helps support the Honoring Vets - Helping Pets program.

$50 — Vaccines & Preventive Care

Covers core vaccinations and flea/tick prevention for a shelter pet, ensuring a healthy start.

$75 — Cat Adoption Fee Sponsorship

Fully sponsors the adoption of an adult cat for a veteran, including spay/neuter surgery, microchip, and vaccines.

$100 — Kitten Care & Supplies

Fully sponsors the adoption of a kitten for a veteran, including spay/neuter surgery, microchip, and vaccines.

$150 — Adult Dog Adoption Fee Sponsorship

Fully sponsors the adoption of an adult dog for a veteran, including spay/neuter surgery, microchip, and vaccines.

$250 — Puppy Adoption & Training Package

Sponsors the adoption of a puppy, including spay/neuter surgery, microchip, and vaccines. This sponsorship also includes a four-week obedience training voucher, helping veterans and their new companions start strong.

$500+ — Be a Champion for the Honoring Vets - Helping Pets Program

Helps sustain the Honoring Vets - Helping Pets program year-round, funding medical care, training, outreach, and ongoing support for veterans and their pets. Recognition opportunities available.

*Waived adoption fee programs/specials do not apply to cats/kittens being adopted through the Cat Lady Café.