At Young-Williams Animal Center, we know the bond between people and pets can be life-changing. That’s why we are proud to partner with Pets for Patriots, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans adopt some of the most overlooked shelter pets.

Through this partnership, eligible veterans and Gold Star spouses can adopt qualifying pets from Young-Williams Animal Center while receiving valuable support and resources designed to help both pets and people thrive together.

What Is Pets for Patriots?

Pets for Patriots’ mission is to “help people save pets and pets save people.”

The program focuses on pets that may need a little extra time or attention to find a home, including:

• Adult and senior pets
• Large breed dogs
• Pets with special needs
• Long-term shelter residents

The organization also provides ongoing post-adoption follow-up and support to help strengthen the human-animal bond and reduce pet surrender.

Why This Partnership Matters

Many veterans continue to face challenges like PTSD, depression, loneliness, and difficult transitions that can come with military service. Companion animals can provide comfort, routine, emotional support, and unconditional love. For many veterans, adopting a pet can create a renewed sense of purpose and connection. At the same time, these adoptions help vulnerable shelter pets find loving homes and create more space in shelters for animals still waiting for families. It’s a mission that closely aligns with Young-Williams Animal Center’s commitment to keeping pets and people together.

Who Qualifies?

The program is open to:

• Veterans and active-duty members of all branches of the U.S. military
• Reserve and separated service members
• Gold Star spouses of service members lost or declared missing in military action

Participants must first apply and be approved through Pets for Patriots before adopting. Approval is often completed within two business days once all documentation is submitted.

Benefits for Adopters

At Young-Williams Animal Center, approved Pets for Patriots adopters receive waived adoption fees for eligible pets through the organization’s “member patriot special.”

Approved adopters may also receive benefits such as:

• Access to affordable veterinary care and telehealth resources
• Savings on food, treats, medications, and pet supplies
• Ongoing post-adoption support

In many cases, adopters may even welcome home two eligible pets — a great opportunity for bonded pairs and compatible companions to stay together!

Find Your New Best Friend

Whether you’re looking for a walking companion, a couch cuddle buddy, or a loyal new family member, there’s a pet waiting to meet you at Young-Williams Animal Center. Together, we can honor those who have served our country while helping shelter pets find loving homes they deserve.

To learn more about adoptable pets and the adoption process at Young-Williams Animal Center, click here. To learn more about eligibility or apply for the program, visit petsforpatriots.org.

Pets for Patriots, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization unleashing hope™ for military veterans and shelter animals. Tax ID 27-1082210.

Published May 2026