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What Military Members Can Do with Their Dogs When They’re Deployed
Rocky Kanaka
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For military personnel facing overseas deployments, finding suitable care for their beloved pets can be a significant challenge. The owner of the dog in the video above most not have known about foster care.
The foster care program specifically designed for military members provides a valuable solution, ensuring the well-being and safety of their pets during their absence. This article explores the benefits and processes of the foster care program for military personnel, highlighting the organizations that specialize in connecting military members with caring foster families.
The Importance of Foster Care for Military Pets
Military personnel often face situations where they are unable to bring their pets with them on assignments due to logistical constraints or other circumstances. In such cases, foster care serves as an ideal option, allowing military members to find temporary homes where their pets will be loved, cared for, and kept safe until they can be reunited.
Benefits of the Foster Care Program
Peace of Mind
The foster care program provides military personnel with peace of mind, knowing that their pets are in a nurturing environment while they are deployed. It alleviates the worry and stress associated with finding alternative arrangements for their beloved companions.
Continuity of Care
Placing pets in foster homes ensures continuity of care, as foster families commit to providing the necessary attention, exercise, and love that pets require. This helps maintain the well-being and emotional stability of the animals.
Individualized Attention
Foster families typically have the time and dedication to provide individualized attention to each pet in their care. This includes addressing any specific dietary needs, medical requirements, or behavioral considerations, ensuring that the pets receive the best possible care.
Familiar Environment
Foster care allows pets to stay within familiar surroundings, reducing the stress and anxiety often experienced when transitioning to new environments. This stability contributes to the overall welfare and happiness of the animals.
Reuniting after Deployment
The foster care program facilitates a smooth transition when military personnel return from deployment. The pets are returned to their owners, minimizing any disruptions and enabling a seamless reunion.
Organizations Facilitating Foster Care for Military Pets
Several organizations specialize in connecting military personnel with foster families for their pets. These organizations understand the unique challenges faced by military members and provide dedicated support throughout the fostering process. Here are three notable organizations in this field:
Dogs on Deployment
Dogs on Deployment is a national non-profit organization that assists military members in finding foster homes for their pets during deployments and other military commitments. Their online platform connects military pet owners with responsible volunteers who are willing to board their pets.
Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet
Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet is another reputable organization that provides foster care services for military personnel. They focus on supporting active duty, veterans, and wounded warriors, ensuring that their pets receive the care they need while they serve their country.
Sugarland Ranch
Sugarland Ranch is dedicated to providing temporary homes for pets belonging to military personnel. They work closely with military families to find the most suitable foster care arrangements, ensuring the well-being of the pets throughout the duration of their owner’s deployment.
The foster care program for military personnel plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being and safety of their pets during overseas deployments. By partnering with organizations like Dogs on Deployment, Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet, and Sugarland Ranch, military members can find peace of mind knowing that their beloved companions are in loving and capable hands. The foster care program not only supports military personnel but also provides a rewarding experience for foster families who have the opportunity to care for and bond with these special pets. Together, these organizations and foster families create a network of support, enabling military members to fulfill their duties while their pets receive the care they deserve.
Responsible Rehoming
In cases where permanent rehoming becomes necessary, military members should make every effort to place their pets directly into new homes. Rescue groups and shelters, though they provide temporary options, may not be ideal due to the stress they can cause animals. It is crucial to prepare the pet for adoption by ensuring they are up-to-date on vaccinations and spayed or neutered.
The Risks of Using Classified Sites
It is crucial to be cautious when using classified sites like Craigslist to rehome pets. Free-to-good-home ads can expose pets to potential dangers, including animal hoarders, families unable to provide proper care, and individuals seeking animals for illegal activities like dog fighting. Dogs on Deployment has initiated the EMPSO (Every Military Pet Surrender Online) campaign to protect military pets and owners from the risks associated with using classified sites.
How to Help
Individuals can contribute to the EMPSO campaign by actively searching classified listing sites, such as Craigslist, for military members posting their pets due to deployments or military commitments. By sending emails with information about Dogs on Deployment, concerned individuals can offer support and resources to military pet owners in need. Creating local ads that promote Dogs on Deployment’s services further extends assistance to military members in their communities.
Related Articles:
- On the Frontlines: The Diverse Breeds of Military Working Dogs
- 11 Places to Get Service Dogs for Veterans
