CAS 2-21-18
The Cheyenne Animal Shelter has partnered with Pets for Patriots, Inc., a nonprofit that saves the lives of people and pets through companion pet adoption for United States military veterans. The Cheyenne Animal Shelter is the first shelter in the state of Wyoming to partner with this organization.
Working with Pets for Patriots, the Shelter will give local veterans, active duty military members and their families the gift of unconditional love while providing the most overlooked cats and dogs a second chance at life.
“For every day that a pet is in our Shelter, it costs us approximately $50; more if they need extra medical care,” says Stephanie Bilbro, Cheyenne Animal Shelter Manager. “By working with Pets for Patriots, we hope to inspire our local veterans and service members to give these animals a loving home. This will help us place more hard-to-adopt pets with good people who need or want a companion pet and save these innocent animals from becoming permanent shelter residents.”
Individuals are welcome from all United States armed forces and at any stage of their careers. Eligible pets must meet one of three criteria: cat or dog two years or older, cat or dog with special needs, or dog over 40 pounds.
Joining Pets for Patriots is entirely free to veterans, though they are responsible for the Shelter’s adoption fee. To reduce the chance that these pets are surrendered, the charity sends a $150 gift card upon proof of eligible adoption to help with food and other essentials, and it also provides access to local veterinary partners who agree to offer ongoing discounted care. For patrons enrolled in this program, the Shelter offers a member patriot special of 50% off the adoption fee and a 10% military discount in the store as a thank you for their service. Cheyenne Pet Clinic is the veterinary partner in the Cheyenne, Wyoming Pets for Patriots program. The Clinic will provide 10% off veterinarian care for those enrolled in the program.
The Cheyenne Animal Shelter quickly saw the potential to find hard-to-adopt cats and dogs permanent homes with service members. “We are able to place almost 3,000 pets each year,” says Bilbro, “Through our partnership with Pets for Patriots, we hope to provide forever homes to even more loving animals with the many service members and veterans in our area.”
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 Shelter to find their new best friend.
“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 Cheyenne Animal Shelter to give these last-chance pets a second chance at life and, in so doing, to enhance the lives of veterans in the community. Everybody wins.”
To help cover costs associated with the program, the Cheyenne Animal Shelter has new sponsorship opportunities. Patrons can sponsor an animal eligible for the program by making a monetary donation, which will then lower the cost for military members and give more opportunities for our servicemen and servicewomen to gain four-legged friends. To learn more details on how to sponsor an animal, please contact Director of Development, Sue Castaneda at scastaneda@caswy.org or by calling 307-269-0970.
