Best Friends salutes America’s servicemen and women
America’s 239th birthday is just around the corner, and Best Friends–Utah is celebrating by honoring our country’s military service members with a special Pets for Vets promotion.
Beginning July 4 and continuing through July 10, adoption fees will be covered in full — thanks to a generous donor — for any active, retired or reserve military personnel looking to bring home a new companion from Best Friends’ Pet Adoption Center in Sugar House. Our partners at Canines With a Cause, who specialize in pairing dogs with veterans, will be at the center with adoptable dogs on July 8 and 9 along with our shelter partners. Any dog adopted on those two days will receive complimentary training.
When it comes to adoption, creating meaningful, lifelong bonds is the ultimate goal. But some research studies have also found that having a pet can benefit a person’s physical and mental well-being. People with pets enjoy healthier hearts, get more exercise and are less inclined to experience depression.
“The benefits are great for anyone. But for veterans who may face health concerns as a result of their service, the advantages of having a dog or cat can be especially profound,” says Stephanie Macgill, development manager, foundation partnerships for Best Friends Animal Society. “A promotion like this is a great reason to adopt.”
Of course, the animals benefit, too, and with kitten season peaking soon this summer, many kittens will be looking for loving homes. Kim McDaniel, communications manager for Best Friends‒Utah, hopes that potential adopters won’t forget that cats can be just as fun and playful as kittens.
“Their personalities are a little more set and you really know what you're getting,” she says. “Bottom line, we want to help feline-seeking veterans find the right match — whether they want a lap cat, independent cat, snuggly cat, adventurous leash-walking cat, chilled-out senior cat or something else altogether.”
And don’t forget the pups! There are loads of wonderful dogs longing to find homes as well.
Are you an active or retired military person hoping to connect with an amazing dog or cat this summer? Come meet the animals at Best Friends’ Pet Adoption Center in Sugar House starting July 4. In their eyes, you’ve always been a hero.