Knoxville veterans paired with at-risk animals through Pets for Patriots

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - May 24, 2013 - PRLog -- Admiral Veterinary Hospital is helping pair at-risk rescue animals with military veterans through participation in national non-profit program Pets for Patriots.

Admiral Vet is one of only four veterinary hospitals in the state participating in Pets for Patriots, and the only one in the immediate Knoxville area.

“Doctors state that having pets helps reduce blood pressure, reduce stress and to a certain degree, someone with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can benefit from the calming effects an animal gives. Having someone to care for, that needs you, can help with PTSD ... and you’re less likely to feel depression and isolation,” said Dr. Stephanie Hickey, associate veterinarian at Admiral Vet.

Pets for Patriots matches military veterans with adult, large breed dogs or cats that fit their personalities and lifestyles.

“They generally like to match up older pets or ones that typically wouldn’t be adopted right away,” Hickey said.

An estimated 18 veterans take their lives each day and almost 70 percent of shelter pets ultimately are euthanized. Pets for Patriots aims to lower both numbers by giving shelter animals loving homes with military veterans.

“It’s a really great thing for the pet and the person. They save a life, help a veteran adopt a pet free of charge, and we help out by offering a discount on medical services,” Hickey said.

As part of Pets for Patriots, Admiral Vet offers veterans and their new furry friends 10 percent off medical care for the life of the pet.

“I decided it would be a really good opportunity for us to not only help out veterans, but also to help out homeless pets,” Hickey said of joining the program a little less than a year ago.

Area pet shelters also participate in the Pets for Patriots program, including Knoxville’s Young-Williams Animal Center.

Pets for Patriots, a 501(c)(3), is open to veterans from all branches of the armed forces at any stage of their careers, including retirement. The program not only saves the lives of pets who might be euthanized, but allows veterans to regain a sense of purpose and ease the transition back to civilian life. Pets for Patriots offers veterans discounted or waived adoption fees as well as access to discounted pet products and food for the life of their pet.

For more information about Pets for Patriots, visit http://www.petsforpatriots.org/

For more information about Admiral Veterinary Hospital, 204 N. Watt Road, call 865-675-1833 or visit http://www.admiralvet.com/