This week the Best Friends Animal Society will waive adoption fees for active and retired military members and their families this week.
Zach Bach serves in the U.S. Air Force. His three-year-old son Jackson picked out two grey and white kittens, newly renamed Cuckoo and Mouse, to take home. Jackson said he couldn't wait to go home and run around with them.
Temma Martin is with Best Friends of Utah. She says besides being loving companions, pets can provide comfort to veterans who may suffer from PTSD or anxiety.
“For all of us, pets lower blood pressure, they reduce stress and anxiety,” she says. “And certainly for people who have anxiety issues, it’s really wonderful to have an animal around.”
On Friday and Saturday the shelter will have have a few specially trained PTSD service dogs available for adoption, as well as free emotional support training for other adopted dogs and their new owners.
Martin also wanted to remind pet owners to keep their companions safe during the firework season. She says all animals should have current microchips or identification tags.
“For dogs that are very afraid, it’s recommended to put them in a quiet back room and close the curtains so they can’t even see the lights. And maybe put on loud music or put on a war movie so that the sounds from outside are drowned out by the sounds inside the room,” Martin says.
The “Pets for Vets” promotion at Best Friends Animal Society in Sugar House continues through Sunday, July 10.
