SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio — All veterans and active military personnel, or their family members, interested in an animal companion, can adopt a pet fee-free from the Humane Society of Summit County through the end of November.
The free adoption opportunity was made possible by one of the humane society’s donors, specifically to connect veterans with animals, the organization said in a release.
Pancake is available for adoption at the Humane Society of Summit County. (Photo courtesy of HSSC)
Animal companions help veterans in ways that go beyond the “unconditional love,” according to Paws for Heroes, a nonprofit that rescues shelter dogs and trains them as companions.
Playing with a companion animal encourages veterans to focus on the moment rather than reflect on what could be painful memories, the group said, helping reduce anxiety.
For veterans who have recently returned from active duty, walking a dog can encourage stress-free interactions with neighbors and help reduce anxiety in social situations while assuaging a sense of isolation, helping vets with reintegration into civilian life.
The act of caring for an animal can offer vets the satisfaction that comes from helping another living being, while living with a dog can help increase feelings of security, especially at night, research has found.
All available animals at the humane society are fully vetted, and have up-to-date, age-appropriate vaccinations and have been spayed or neutered, the agency said. Cats and dogs are flea-treated, de-wormed and microchipped before adoptions are final.
Dogs more than six-months old are assessed by a Certified Professional Dog Trainer to ensure the right match with adopters. Some animals receive basic obedience training to improve their manners so they are more adoptable, the humane society said.
The humane society currently cares for dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. Some are at the shelter while others are in foster homes.
Francine is available for adoption at the Humane Society of Summit County. (Photo courtesy of HSSC)
All adoptions are by appointment only and vets must show a valid military ID. Begin the process by calling 234-212-9843 or sending an email to the adoption team.
An adoption counselor will be in touch to learn more about the potential adopters and the kind of pet they are looking for, the agency said.
The Humane Society of Summit County is located at 996 Darrow Rd. in Twinsburg.
