Our Atlanta dog sitting company is a big fan of the Atlanta Humane Society (AHS). Not only does AHS offer educational resources, create volunteer opportunities, and help thousands of pets find loving homes every year, it also runs a unique program called “Pets for Vets” which allows military veterans to adopt dogs for free. If you or one of your family members is a dog lover who served in the Armed Forces, Pets for Vets might be the perfect way to connect with a furry new best friend.
Free Dog Adoptions for Military Veterans at the Atlanta Humane Society
The Atlanta Humane Society normally charges the following adoption fees to adopt a dog from AHS:
- Puppies – $265
- Dogs – $125
- Senior Dogs (Over 5 Years) – $75
- Underdogs – $50
(“Underdogs” are simply overlooked pets who have been at AHS longer than their peers. AHS offers lower pricing on Underdogs in order to encourage people to give them loving homes.)
These prices are actually modest considering the range of services they include, such as initial deworming, initial vaccinations, spay/neuter, and microchip insertion. But if you’re a military veteran, you can get an even better deal: a free dog.
You read that correctly: veterans pay nothing for AHS dog adoptions, thanks to a collaborative effort between AHS, the Buckhead Rotary Club, the Cobb County Honorary Commanders Alumni Association, Delta Clipped Wings, and The Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Georgia. It’s just the Atlanta Humane Society’s way of thanking veterans for their service.
Generally speaking, the program permits one free dog per veteran. However, there are some situations where AHS might want to keep two bonded dogs together. AHS also reserves the right to refuse an adoption subject to the organization’s adoption requirements and policies.
How Members of the U.S. Armed Forces Can Adopt a Dog for Free from AHS
To quote AHS, “Pets provide companionship and health and emotional benefits for people who love and care for them.” Clinical studies have even suggested that veterans diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may benefit from contact with dogs, though more research in this area is needed. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs maintains an entire web page devoted solely to encouraging veterans to explore the health benefits dogs can give us. Whether or not you have been diagnosed with PTSD, any veteran, young or old, can enjoy the love, companionship, fun, and stress reduction that comes from owning a dog – just make sure you aren’t allergic first.
If you’re a military veteran who lives in Georgia, and you’re interested in adopting a dog, the AHS Pets for Vets program is a fantastic place to get started. However, in order to qualify, you’ll need to exhibit some ID. Acceptable forms of identification to participate in the Pets for Vets program include:
- Common Access Card (CAC)
- DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
- Retired Veteran’s ID Card
- Veteran Hospital Identification Card
Pets for Vets extends to all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Air Force, Navy, and Army, but Marines may get some special adoption perks. If you’re a Marine, you should apply through the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Georgia Companion Dog Program using this form. Your application must be approved by the Marine Corps before you adopt from AHS. Otherwise, you can get the ball rolling on your free dog adoption by:
- Emailing AHS by sending a message to contact (at) atlantahumane (dot) org.
- Calling AHS at (404) 875-5331. This is the main phone number and will connect you with both campuses (Howell Mill Campus, Mansell Campus), addresses for which are listed below.
- Visiting AHS in person. There are two AHS locations where prospective pet parents can meet with the dogs:
- Howell Mill Campus
981 Howell Mill Road Northwest
Atlanta, GA 30318 - Mansell Campus
1565 Mansell Road
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Please keep in mind that the adoption process can take more than an hour once waiting time and paperwork are factored in, particularly if you arrive at a busy time of day. Be sure to leave plenty of room in your schedule in case the process runs long, and make sure you have a book or phone to keep you busy in case there’s a long wait time.
In addition to bringing your acceptable form of ID, be sure to come prepared with cash, your debit card, or your credit card for payment. AHS does not accept personal checks, so please leave your checkbook at home.
Need to Hire an In-Home Pet Nanny or Dog Walker in Atlanta?
For more than 40 years, Critter Sitters has been Georgia’s number one pet sitting and dog walking resource. We’re proud to say that we’re the oldest and largest business of our kind in Georgia, featuring a huge team of dedicated pet nannies who travel right to your doorstep to watch Fido or walk Fluffy while you’re away from home. (Did we mention we look after cats, bunnies, hamsters, gerbils, fish, birds, and lizards, too?)
We hope you’ll find your new best friend at AHS – and the next time you need to hire a dependable, trustworthy dog sitter or dog walker, you’ll know exactly where to turn for help. The Critter Sitters team features:
- Atlanta Dog Walkers
- Alpharetta Dog Sitters
- Alpharetta Dog Walkers
- Buckhead Dog Sitters
- Buckhead Dog Walkers
We also serve many other towns and cities throughout the Atlanta area, including Brookhaven, Dunwoody, East Point, Fayetteville, Gainesville, Mableton, Marietta, Newnan, Peachtree City, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, and more. To learn more about our dog nanny services in Atlanta, or to schedule a professional dog walker or dog sitter near you today, call Critter Sitters at 404-793-6178 today.
