Vicki Neumann is determined to help American troops returning from conflict zones heal from the unseen wounds they may be carrying. She’s also an animal lover, with three rescue pets. She came across Pets for Vets, an organization started in Long Beach, California, that provides companion animals for veterans. She wanted to volunteer in the Indiana chapter and discovered there was no chapter in the area. Leaping into action, she co-founded the Central Indiana Chapter of Pets for Vets in April of this year, and the organization is growing rapidly to about 10 core volunteers.
“Our duty is to find suitable shelter and rescue animals and match them to the needs of veterans,” she explained. “Most of the matches are dogs, but we also match cats. rabbits, and a few birds.” She stressed that the dogs matched with veterans are not service dogs, who are highly trained to perform a variety of tasks.
Many young men and women coming back to the States after military duty suffer from depression Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other difficulties that make adjustment to civilian life difficult. Pets for Vets is dedicated to providing support to these veterans by pairing them with shelter pets who need a second chance at life. “It’s really a win-win program. We are helping veterans and finding good forever homes for pets that would have been stuck in a shelter,” she said. The group works with local shelters and agencies to find the perfect match for veterans seeking their help.
Studies have suggested that there are multiple benefits for pet ownership for veterans. Having a pet provides a daily purpose in life, can help reduce feelings of isolation, increase self-esteem and positive social interaction, plus provide exercise for veterans.
Neumann said that the program selects pets for veterans for their individual needs, then professional trainers rehabilitate the pets and teach them good manners to fit the veteran’s lifestyle. Training includes desensitization to wheelchairs or crutches, and recognizing and responding to panic or anxiety. In addition, Pets for Vets provides all the necessary equipment to take care of the pet, including veterinarian costs, vaccinations, microchipping, and more. Pets for Vets also helps after the pet adoption, providing support for the lifetime of the pet.
Neumann said that it costs about $1,500 per pet for a veteran. There is no charge to the veteran. Currently, the chapter is looking for volunteers and funding; they have been setting up an information booth at the Irvington Farmer’s Market (next one Sept. 13 from noon-3 p.m. at Ellenberger Park, 5301 E. St. Clair) and have had great response.
The local chapter is seeking veterans in need to companion animals, as well as donations. They will be holding fundraiser silent auction at the Benton House on November 15. For more information about the Pets for Vets program, e-mail central-in@pets-for-vets.com or visit www.pets-for-vets.com.
