Healing for Heroes: Pets for Patriots Unites Austin Area Veterans and Gold Star Families with Rescue Animals
For many military veterans and Gold Star families in the Austin area, the road to healing can feel lonely and overwhelming. But a unique nonprofit program, Pets for Patriots, offers a life-changing path forward—by connecting them with companion animals from local shelters in a way that brings comfort, healing, and purpose to both person and pet.
A Mission of Dual Rescue: Saving Veterans and Shelter Pets
Every day in the United States, an average of 17 veterans die by suicide, according to the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Meanwhile, every eight seconds, a dog or cat is euthanized simply due to a lack of adoption. These devastating figures highlight why Pets for Patriots is vital—because every adoption through the program saves two lives.
The nonprofit serves veterans from all military branches and all eras, including those currently serving. It also includes a new initiative for Gold Star families, providing critical support to spouses of fallen service members. To date, Pets for Patriots has helped facilitate 4,935 adoptions, with $1,307,650 deployed across their adoption, hardship, hero, and dog training programs.
In the Austin area, veterans and Gold Star spouses can adopt eligible pets through participating shelters including:
- Bastrop County Animal Shelter
- PAWS Shelter of Central Texas – Dripping Springs
- PAWS Shelter of Central Texas – Kyle
These shelters offer discounted adoption fees, comprehensive veterinary care, and additional resources for successful pet placements.
Why Companion Animals Matter for Veterans and Gold Star Families
The emotional toll of military life doesn’t end when service does. Many veterans struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Gold Star families—those who have lost a loved one in service—face grief compounded by loneliness and lack of understanding from civilian peers.
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According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, companion animals have been shown to reduce symptoms of PTSD and depression in veterans. Dogs and cats offer nonjudgmental support, routine, companionship, and even a reason to get out of bed in the morning. For families, especially those with young children, a pet becomes a stabilizing presence in the home.
Pets for Patriots’ program goes beyond adoption—by providing:
- A $200 “welcome home” pet gift card for food and supplies
- Discounted veterinary care through partner clinics
- Ongoing member-only savings on pet essentials
- Emergency support through hardship and hero programs to cover unexpected pet medical expenses
This comprehensive approach helps reduce the likelihood of pet surrender and ensures veterans and families can maintain their emotional support companions—even in tough times.
Special Support for Gold Star Families
Launched in May 2025, the Gold Star program mirrors the veteran adoption program, with adaptations for eligibility and documentation. It recognizes the unique sacrifice of families who’ve lost a loved one in service. From single parents now carrying the weight of an entire household to those coping with grief amid raising young children, Gold Star spouses face profound emotional and logistical challenges.
Pets offer a powerful source of comfort, especially in homes where children are struggling to understand the absence of a parent. Pets for Patriots honors these families with the same access to adoption assistance, emotional follow-up support for a full year, and nationwide resources.
How to Qualify and Apply
To apply for the Pets for Patriots program, individuals must:
- Be a veteran with at least 190 days of military service (excluding training), or a Gold Star spouse
- Reside within 40 miles of a participating shelter partner
- Adopt a pet that meets one of the following: over 2 years old, special needs, homeless for 6+ months, or (for dogs) 40+ pounds at time of adoption
Applications are accepted online 24/7 at petsforpatriots.org. Approval generally includes follow-up documentation and an eligibility confirmation before adoption.
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Austin and Central Texas Shelters Supporting the Mission
Veterans and Gold Star spouses living in the Austin metro area have access to multiple Pets for Patriots shelter partners offering special discounts and services:
Bastrop County Animal Shelter – Bastrop, TX
Located at 589 Cool Water Drive, the shelter offers $20 adoption fees for any eligible pet adopted through the Pets for Patriots program. Included are full veterinary services, flea/tick preventatives, heartworm testing and prevention, microchipping, and sterilization.
The Bastrop County Animal Shelter operates out of a modern three-building complex with play yards and indoor/outdoor kennels. Their partner nonprofit, Friends of Bastrop County Animal Shelter, works to support adoption efforts and promote animal welfare.
PAWS Shelter of Central Texas – Dripping Springs & Kyle, TX
With two locations—2965 FM 165 in Dripping Springs and 500 FM 150 East in Kyle—PAWS Shelter of Central Texas waives adoption fees for program participants. All adopted pets come with 30 days of pet insurance, vaccines, behavior assessments, flea/tick prevention, microchips, and spay/neuter services.
PAWS also runs humane education programs, supports dog training with local inmates, and welcomes the community to help through volunteering and fostering.
Each of these shelters welcomes volunteers, donations, and fosters—making it easy for community members to get involved, even if they aren't able to adopt.
Giving Back: How to Support Pets for Patriots
Those looking to support Pets for Patriots can make one-time or monthly donations to sponsor adoptions, provide emergency care, or sustain the hardship program.
- A $350 donation can help pair a veteran or Gold Star spouse with a companion pet
- A $500 gift can support six months of pet essentials or cover urgent medical treatments
Pets for Patriots is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a platinum seal of transparency from Candid/GuideStar and a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.
For veterans, Gold Star families, and the animals they rescue, Pets for Patriots offers more than a second chance—it offers hope, healing, and the kind of companionship that can change a life forever. To learn more or apply, visit petsforpatriots.org.
For local adoptions and shelter details in Austin, visit the websites of Bastrop County Animal Shelter and PAWS Shelter of Central Texas.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.