Pets for Vets Ventura County Sponsorship

Federal Defense Industries, Inc. is proud to sponsor Thor, a boxer mix, who went to a new home in mid-December thanks to Pets for Vets Ventura County. Pets for Vets Ventura County is a nonprofit organization that rescues animals living in shelters and matches them with veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Thor and his trainer visited FDI so the employees could meet him and learn more about the program. Thor and his fellow mentor dog, Paws, were greeted with a lot of petting and kind words from everyone they met.  As a sponsor, FDI employees shopped for the supplies Thor will need to start his new life with his new owner. All of the essentials were provided including chew sticks and stuffed toys.

Pets for Vets is a national 501 (c)(3) organization founded by Clarissa Black in 2009 and has over 30 chapters across the country.  The Ventura County Chapter, launched in May 2014 by  Mardu and Ron Lydick, covers the cities of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Ventura and Woodland Hills.

Much care is taken to determine the right pet is matched with the right owner.  After the veteran’s application is reviewed, and with their therapist’s support, a professional trainer searches for the perfect shelter animal to suit the veteran’s needs and lifestyle. After an extensive training process, which can last up to four months, the veteran and pet meet for the first time. Each pet is healthy, up to date on all vaccinations, is spayed/neutered and microchipped.  Every veteran receives all necessary pet equipment, all at no cost to the veteran.   For veterans suffering from PTSD or TBI, the right companion pet makes a huge difference.

FDI’s goal is to sponsor a dog through the Pets for Vets organization at least once a year.

For more information about Pets for Vets Ventura County please visit www.ventura-ca.petsforvets.com or petsforvetsventuracounty.com.  You can also follow them on Facebook at Pets for Vets Ventura County Chapter.