Volunteering with Pets for Vets has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. With this organization I can support veterans and rescue animals as they form a special bond.
The system that the funder Clarissa Black created to match Veterans and rescue Pets with the superbond is truly innovative, powerful and effective.
Having witnessed how a life of a veteran has changed and how it has been able to have a more active role in society it’s an amazing privilege. The stories and impact of the love provided by the pet it’s so beautiful and inspiring.
I would highly recommend volunteering with this incredible organization to anyone looking to make a meaningful impact.
Review from Guidestar
My experience with PetsForVets has been nothing short of amazing. From my first interaction and interview; I felt as though I was adopting a human child. The questions were very methodical. The second encounter was a visit to my home. Toni wanted to know what the boundaries would be for my new fur baby (Sydney) within my home. She asked questions about his sleeping arrangements. She even did a walk through to educate me on what objects within each room might pose a danger to my new family member. Beyond that, Toni asked me to give her a detailed description of the pet type and personality that I was interested in. As if I had chosen from a “pet menu”, she took her time and matched with a beautiful feline that matched my every wish. It took a bit of time only because she was trying fulfill my every wish. All the while she stayed in communication with me. Well, I cannot tell you the joy that I felt when she returned with my fur baby. He was everything that I requested and wished for right down to his personality. That was eight years ago. Unfortunately my Sydney passed away in May of 2024. He was a comfort and a joy to and for me from the time that Toni put him into my arms until our final moments together.
Review from Guidestar
I first met Clarissa at a Veterans Day event at my local VA when she was just starting Pets for Vets. I gave her a detailed list of criteria for a dog, and to my surprise, she found the perfect match within a month! That was 15 years ago, and the rest is history. Having a therapy dog, Spyder, has been life-changing. Spyder has given me structure, a reason to get out, and a focus beyond my PTSD. Clarissa and Pets for Vets have consistently supported me, ensuring everything goes well with Spyder. I always recommend Pets for Vets to anyone in need of a therapy dog. I am thrilled to see how Pets for Vets has grown over the past 15 years and proud to have been one of the first matches. I wouldn't be the same without Spyder!
Review from Guidestar
I have served in an advisory capacity for Pets for Vets for several years and I continue to be impressed by the quality of this organization’s impact on Veterans and shelter animals, as well as the thoughtfulness of this organization’s Executive Director, Board and Directors, and employees. They approach their mission to improve the lives of Veterans and shelter animals by bringing them together in thoughtful, caring, and carefully selected ways. The team is highly skilled in Veteran connection and support, animal behavior and training, and shelter animal welfare. They create matches between Veterans and shelter animals that improve the lives of both people and animals in incredibly impactful ways. This organization makes a very real and very important difference in our world every day.
Review from Guidestar
I have been a volunteer with PetsforVets for almost 7 years.Pets for Vets' mission is two-fold. Veterans find comfort and companionship from being matched with a specially selected and trained pet companion. This special animal, selected from a shelter or rescue , gets to live a truly charmed life with a Veteran.
I am proud to help this wonderful organization as a Certified Trainer. Trainers for PetsforVets work directly with an assigned Veteran for months to ready him or her for life with a specially matched pet companion. Our next task is to search for a perfect match from available animals in area shelters and rescues. This pet meets a very high standard for health, sociability and trainability. It must also be an exact fit for the Veteran's lifestyle and personality.
I have the privilege of helping to create a Veteran - dog match.Knowing that my work resulted in a happy, healthy dog and a more confident Veteran and father brings me immense satisfaction.
Pets for Vets has also made me a better animal trainer by expanding my skill set, by encouraging and assisting me in my continued education and by facilitating my collaboration with others.
Review from Guidestar
Very sad this place is not for Veterans. They say they help soldiers but the people in charge are all them and looking good to public.
Review from Guidestar
As a volunteer, I have personally watched Pets for Vets save dozens of animals from shelters and rescues who, in turn, help American Veterans. To see the reactions these Veterans have when they meet their forever companion and Super Bond. No other organization uses the Pets for Vets technique of finding just the right pet for each Veteran. It is this technique that creates the environment for a Super Bond to be established.
Thank you Pets for Vets for letting play a part in the amazing work that you do!
Review from Guidestar
when I first met Clarissa, she had just started this amazing nonprofit organization that has since grown nation-wide - Pets for Vets helps heal the emotional wounds of military veterans by pairing them with companion animals and service dogs - each is specifically trained to help veterans who have disabilities. Pets for Vets saves shelter dogs, giving them a second chance at life while giving our returning soldiers a second chance at health and happiness. In addition to providing service dogs, Pets for Vets provides dog and cat companions - there are no words to describe the magical healing provided by these connections.