Healing for Heroes: Pets for Patriots Unites San Antonio Veterans and Gold Star Families with Rescue Animals
For many military veterans and Gold Star families in the San Antonio 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 San Antonio area, veterans and Gold Star spouses can adopt eligible pets through participating shelters including:
- Bexar County Animal Facility
- San Antonio Animal Care Services
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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San Antonio Shelters Partnering for a Cause
In the San Antonio metro area, Pets for Patriots works closely with two local shelter partners committed to saving lives and supporting veterans:
Bexar County Animal Facility – Kirby, TX
Located at 5510 Duffek Drive, the facility offers a 50% discount on adoption fees, plus extras like a 1.5-lb. bag of pet food, collar/leash, and pet training and grooming coupons. The adoption package also includes vaccinations, health testing, microchipping, and spay/neuter procedures.
The Bexar County Animal Facility also plays a critical role in animal cruelty investigations and enforcement across unincorporated Bexar County—while giving second chances to dogs and cats through adoption.
San Antonio Animal Care Services – San Antonio, TX
Located at 4710 Highway 151, this municipal shelter offers $50 adoption fees for dogs and $15 for cats, plus a pet goody bag for Pets for Patriots adopters. All adoptions include vaccines, heartworm preventatives, flea/tick treatments, microchips, and sterilization.
In addition to pet placement, San Antonio Animal Care Services provides animal control, lost and found services, and operates a pet food pantry in partnership with Daisy Cares—ensuring no San Antonio pet is left hungry.
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 San Antonio, visit the websites of Bexar County Animal Facility and San Antonio Animal Care Services.
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.