Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

National Pets for Veterans Day 2025: When It Is & How It’s Celebrated

Soldier with military dog_PEPPERSMINT_Shutterstock

Thanks to an incredible dog named Bear and his owner, October 21 of each year is now recognized as National Pets for Veterans Day. This special event is used to bring awareness to an amazing program designed to bring shelter animals in need of homes in contact with veterans around the country who need companionship. While you may have never heard of National Pets for Veterans Day, here’s your chance to learn more about how it came to be, how it helps, and what you can do to help celebrate these special connections and bring recognition to a great cause.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

How National Pets for Veterans Day Began

The person behind National Pets for Veterans Day and the organization Pets for Vets, Inc. is Clarissa Black. Before founding Pets for Vets, Clarissa studied animal behavior and earned degrees from Cornell and Canisius universities. In her early years, she worked with dolphins and elephants to learn more about animal behavior. Eventually, her focus shifted to dog training. It was the human-animal bond that she was most interested in. Clarissa worked diligently to create a training program to help dogs and their owners succeed in their relationship. She felt that personalized behavior plans and training could make the connection between dogs and owners stronger and more successful.

When Clarissa had the opportunity to work with American veterans and wounded soldiers, she decided to bring her own dog, Bear, along. When she saw the connection that Bear made with the veterans, she formed the idea for Pets for Vets. Hearing the laughter and many asking if Bear would return or if they could even take him home with them showed her the power of healing a pet could provide. Having suffered from PTSD herself, Clarissa had a unique insight into what a veteran needed in a companion animal. She began working on what she now calls the Super Bond, which is used to create a lasting bond between pets and owners based on respect instead of force.

Man in military uniform with German shepherd outdoors
Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

How National Pets for Veterans Day Helps

Unfortunately, there are veterans all across the world suffering from PTSD and other service-related situations, and many don’t have family ties to help them through these issues. There are also millions of dogs and cats living their lives in shelters, hoping to one day find homes of their own. Many of these animals will be euthanized to make room for more homeless animals and to give them the chance to be adopted. Bringing together veterans and these homeless animals is the perfect way to help the veterans adjust to everyday life again and save countless animals in the process.

The combination of animals and veterans comes from animal-assisted therapy. Providing your pet with the necessary care can help promote responsibility, routine, and other activities. As we know, dogs need socialization, play, and walks. This promotes getting out in the world. For veterans who feel stressed or alone, a dog or cat can give them a companion to help ease these feelings and show them the love they deserve. It’s been repeatedly proved that animals can benefit mental health.1

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

How You Can Help

With National Pets for Veterans Day being such an important day for so many, it’s not surprising that others want to lend a helping hand. Luckily, there are several ways that you can support our veterans and homeless animals.

1. Donate

Donations are always needed for veterans and animals. Consider offering your time or a monetary donation to local outreaches, shelters, or Pets for Vets. You can even pay an adoption fee at your local animal shelter for a veteran in need of a forever friend.


2. Volunteer

If money isn’t an option, your time is always cherished. Visiting local veterans or even offering them thanks for their service means so much. You can also stop by your local animal shelter to help walk the dogs or play with the cats. These forgotten animals truly love human companionship.


3. Spread the Word

Spreading the word is another way to help. Many people are unaware of National Pets for Veterans Day. Tell others, promote this special day, and help bring more assistance to our veterans and homeless animals in need.

a soldier and a K9 military dog
Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

Final Thoughts

If you had never heard of National Pets for Veterans Day, now you know that it’s on October 21. Go out and thank the veterans in your neighborhood or family. You can even stop by your local animal shelter or VA to pay the adoption fee for one of these deserving people to find a pet they can truly connect with. Finally, thank you, Bear, for showing how animals can help the people who’ve served our country.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: PEPPERSMINT, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

15 Awesome Maltese Haircuts and Hairdos (With Pictures & Grooming Tips)

One of the most exciting things about owning a Maltese is that there are so many hairdo possibilities! From cute, summery cuts to...

Long on Love: A Valentine’s Day Ode to My Doxie Sweethearts (with Video)

Welcome to the Wednesday Dogs of Dogster! Every Wednesday, we share a story from one of our Dogsters. This week is about Meagan...

Fear Aggression in Dogs: Vet-Verified Signs, Triggers & Tips

Aggression is one of the most commonly cited reasons that a person gives up their dog. When your dog is acting aggressive, it...

What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat? 14 Vet-Approved Healthy Options

As dog owners, we have our dog’s best interests at heart and want to keep them safe. One of the biggest risks to...

More related

Havapoo Lifespan: Average Years & Vet-Reviewed Tips

A mix of the Havanese and Miniature Poodle, the Havapoo is an adorable, friendly, and often allergy-friendly crossbreed that’s growing in popularity. These...

Ultrasonic Dog Repellers & Deterrents: Are They Ethical? Vet-Reviewed Facts

Ultrasonic dog repellers and deterrents are designed to be a training tool to prevent your dog from excessive barking. While barking is a...

6 Best Dog Foods for Kidney Disease in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Every dog parent dreads the idea of their dog getting sick, and kidney disease is no joke for dogs. As in the case...

Do Foxes Attack and Eat Dogs? How to Avoid Danger in Your Backyard

Foxes are rather common creatures, found in both rural settings and more populated areas like towns and even major cities. They’re wily creatures...

Keep reading

10 Best Dog Foods for Catahoula Leopard Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

The Catahoula dog breed is beautiful, muscular, and tough. These amazing dogs were originally bred to work in forests and swamps to assist farmers and herders. They are high-energy dogs that stand anywhere from 20 to 26 inches in height...

Catahoula Leopard Dog wearing harness

Can Dogs Eat Roast Beef? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Dogs need meat as a regular part of their balanced diet. Meat provides a great source of protein, vitamins and minerals for dogs which is necessary for the healthy development of brain functions, good digestion, and proper functioning of the...

Can Dogs Eat_Roast Beef

Can Dogs Eat Ginger Snaps? Vet-Verified Facts & Explanation

Ginger snaps are a spiced cookie that’s synonymous with the holiday season. They’re slightly sweet without being too overpowering, and deliciously crunchy. While you may enjoy them, ginger snaps aren’t something we recommend offering your dog. Ginger snaps aren’t inherently...

Can Dogs Eat Ginger Snaps

Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter? Is It Good for Them? Vet-Reviewed Health Facts

If you are a dog owner, you are probably aware of how often peanut butter is recommended for dogs to eat. Many dogs find the taste of peanut butter irresistible, so it has multiple uses aside from being a tasty...

Can Dogs Eat Peanuts

We Feed Raw Dog Food Review 2025: Our Expert’s Opinion

Has your dog had digestive issues? Have you often wondered whether his or her kibble could be the culprit? If so, you are not alone. It is something all pet parents go through at some point in time. You may...

Dogster_We Feed Raw Dog Food Review

Can Dogs Eat Fried Chicken? Vet-Verified Risks, Alternatives & FAQ

The hot pop of frying chicken sends dogs flying from the sofa just as easily as a tantalizing takeout box from your favorite chicken chain. It may be finger-licking good, but is it safe and healthy for your dog? Unfortunately,...

Can Dogs Eat Fried Chicken

Innovet Hemp Chews for Dogs Review 2025: Our Expert’s Opinion

Review Summary Innovet is a pet product company that specializes in health care products for dogs, cats, birds, horses, and more. Founded in 2005, Innovet’s mission is to provide innovative solutions that are both high quality and affordable for addressing...

Innovet Chews for Dogs

Protein in a Dog’s Diet: Vet-Reviewed Complete & Incomplete Proteins Guide

There are so many dog foods on the market today that it can be overwhelming to select one. You want your furry friend to be healthy and to have a balanced diet. You know your dog needs protein, but what...

Different kinds of raw protein