Cleveland - The Cleveland Animal Protective League and Pets for Patriots, Inc. have partnered to give shelter dogs and cats a second chance at life with veterans and active military personnel. By working with Pets for Patriots, the Cleveland APL gives local veterans, active duty military members and their families the gift of unconditional love while providing the most overlooked dogs and cats who might be harder to adopt out a second chance at life.
Adopters from all United States armed forces are welcome to participate in the program at any stage of their careers. Eligible pets include: dogs and cats two years or older, dogs and cats with special needs, or dogs over 40 pounds.
“By teaming up with Pets for Patriots, we hope to inspire our local veterans and service members to give these animals a loving home and that they, in turn, experience the joy these animals will bring,” says Sharon Harvey, President and CEO of the Cleveland APL.
Joining Pets for Patriots is entirely free to veterans and active service members, though they will be responsible for paying the APL’s reduced adoption fee. To help these families get off to a good start together and to stay together, Pets for Patriots sends a $150 gift card upon proof of eligible adoption to help with food and other essentials, and provides access to local veterinary partners who agree to offer ongoing discounted care. The APL offers a member patriot special of half off the adoption fee as a thank you for their service. (Regular adoption fees are $125 for adult dogs, $50 for adult cats.)
“Our goal is to help our adoption partners re-home harder-to-place pets that still have years of love and life to give,” says Beth Zimmerman, founder and executive director of Pets for Patriots, "while at the same time making it more affordable for military personnel to bring a pet into their lives. We’re delighted to work with the Cleveland APL to give these pets a second chance at life and, in so doing, to enhance the lives of veterans in the community. Everybody wins.”
Individuals must first apply through Pets for Patriots and provide relevant eligibility documents. Approval typically takes no more than two business days, after which they can visit the Cleveland APL to find their new best friend.
Please call the APL at 216-771-4616 with any questions about adopting.
© 2019 iHeartMedia, Inc.
Hear news updates at the top and bottom of the hour:wtam.com/listen