Honoring Veterans Day by Investing in Organizations That Pair Veterans with Life-Changing Service and Companion Dogs

This Veterans Day, Petco Love is making a difference for veterans by donating over $500,000 to 50 organizations dedicated to training service, therapy, and working animals. This support is part of Petco Love’s “Helping Heroes” initiative, which has invested $18 million since 2009 to provide veterans with highly trained service dogs that offer comfort, companionship, and assistance. By turning shelter dogs into heroes, Petco Love is helping veterans like Joel, an Army medic with PTSD, find solace and healing with the support of his “battle buddy,” Tahoe, a dog trained by Helping Heroes grant recipient Cell Dogs, Inc.

How Service Dogs Transform Lives

Research from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute shows that pets improve mental health, reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These benefits are particularly meaningful for veterans, as studies from the University of Arizona and Purdue University reveal that service dog partnerships can improve sleep and reduce PTSD severity among veterans. Dr. Maggie O'Haire, Associate Dean for Research at the University of Arizona, noted, "Veterans have told us directly that our research is improving their lives. These partnerships deserve more research, and our findings will help increase access for those who could benefit.”

For veterans like Steve, a U.S. Navy veteran with PTSD and a traumatic brain injury, service dogs bring hope and comfort. Paired with his service dog, Rooster, through Healing4Heroes, Steve shared, “I was in a depressive state, but now I have hope for the future.” Last year alone, Petco Love’s support helped Healing4Heroes rescue and train 125 service dogs, providing veterans with essential companionship and support.

A Lifeline for Veterans and Shelter Dogs Alike

With each new partnership, Petco Love Helping Heroes supports both veterans and the shelter animals that become their companions. Susanne Kogut, President of Petco Love, explained, “Dogs provide that unconditional love we all need. But when trained to serve, these dogs perform life-changing functions, empowering veterans to regain independence and rebuild their lives. Investing in organizations that create these canine Helping Heroes for our veteran heroes represents our deep appreciation for their service and our commitment to their health and happiness.”

In addition to supporting veterans, these partnerships reduce the number of animals in shelters, offering a second chance to dogs who otherwise might not have a home. As organizations like Healing4Heroes and Cell Dogs, Inc. receive support, they can expand their reach and impact, helping more veterans access the life-changing benefits of service dogs.

Supporting the Human-Animal Bond with Purpose

This Veterans Day, Petco Love’s Helping Heroes initiative honors those who served by pairing them with shelter dogs trained for support, companionship, and healing. These partnerships underscore Petco Love’s ongoing commitment to the human-animal bond, ensuring that veterans who have sacrificed for their country can receive the support they need from loyal companions who are ready to serve by their side.