Animal Friends celebrates Veterans Day with free adoptions, discounted supplies
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Animal Friends continues its commitment to the armed forces this week with free adoption for veterans and a discounted care package for their new furry friends.
Animal Friends was founded more than 75 years ago as a resource for soldiers who were shipping off for World War II and had no place to leave their pets. Today, it serves as the Pittsburgh chapter of Pets for Vets.
“We know that while there are so many homeless animals in our region, there are also veterans out there who are struggling,” said Cody Hoellerman, Animal Friends director of communications.
“The companionship that an animal can offer is one-of-a-kind and these veteran adopters are giving the animal the gift of a loving home.”
To celebrate Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11, Animal Friends will waive the cost of adoption and offer a 15% discount on supplies for companion animals.
The facility along Camp Horne Road is brimming with about 75 animals ready to send home to new families. There are dogs, cats and rabbits available.
The 75-acre campus serves about 2,600 homeless pets each year. It is currently open by appointment-only for covid-19 restrictions.
Hoellerman hopes to re-home as many pets as possible this week.
An adoption team will help potential owners find a perfect match for their needs, personality and lifestyle, Hoellerman said.
Sponsored through the Major Benjamin Follansbee Memorial Fund, the Pets for Vets program waives adoption fees for military members, both active and retired, all year. Anyone who qualifies must show a military ID or DD214 form and the matchmaking process can begin.
Pets will be sent home current on vaccines, spayed or neutered and microchipped.
During the state-mandated shutdown earlier this year, Animal Friends continued to provide animals with food and water as well as medication and behavioral services. A telemedicine program also was set up to help people with questions about the health of their pets.
The site also offered a drive-through pet food distribution for low-income animal owners after receiving five times the normal call volume of requests during covid-19.
Since reopening, patrons are prohibited from drop-in services but can make appointments for adoption, to use the Chow Wagon pet food bank, request a humane investigation, book spay and neuter services and order play yard rentals.
To set up an appointment, call 412-847-7002 or visit AdoptionInfo@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org