Animals

A Warm, Furry Thank You to Our Military

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In honor of service members who have given so much to our community, County Animal Services has joined forces with Pets for Patriots to waive pet adoption fees for U.S. military members for the remainder of the month of May.

Service members from any military branch or stage of their careers – active, reserve, retired or veteran – are eligible to adopt under the Pets for Patriots program. Shelter animals qualifying for adoption include dogs or cats that are at least two years old, large dogs over 40 pounds of any age and special needs pets.

“Service members have sacrificed so much for us. Waiving adoption fees offers our veterans, service members and their families the gift of unconditional love and friendship in the form of a pet and gives shelter animals a second chance at life,” said Animal Services Director Dawn Danielson. “Sometimes these pet owners feel their adopted cats and dogs have rescued them instead of the other way around.”

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Pets for Patriots will also provide service members who adopt shelter animals on-going financial support for the pet. Applicants must provide proof of military service and wait several days for approval. Then the military member can visit any one of the three County animal shelters for help in choosing their new best friend. Animal Services will work with any participating military personnel in the community to match them with a pet that fits their needs and lifestyle.

While County Animal Services has offered discounts in the past to those in the Pets for Patriots program, this is the first time the department is waiving adoption fees entirely. Fees usually include spaying or neutering, a microchip, vaccinations and free veterinary exam and they will be available at no charge for this adoption special as well. For more information, call (619) 767-2675 or visit the County Department of Animal Services website.

RELATED VIDEO: Pets for Patriots 

Tracy DeFore is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact