November 2018 Charity Spotlight: Dogs on Deployment
Dogs on Deployment is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide military pet owners peace of mind as they serve our country with honor, courage, and commitment. Through a central network of volunteers, Dogs on Deployment helps military pet owners find temporary placement for their pets during periods of deployment or training. No pet should be surrendered to a shelter because of a military commitment.
Founded in 2011 by Shawn and Alisa Johnson, both members of the military, Dogs on Deployment (DoD) works to alleviate the stress faced by military pet owners when they are called to serve. As a dual-military family, Shawn and Alisa sometimes found themselves in situations where neither could care for their beloved animals. Thankfully, they had family members willing to help, but they recognized the need for a program that would help military families and pet owners in similar situations.
DoD’s volunteer base includes active duty members, military spouses, family members of servicemen and servicewomen, and some passionate animal lovers. No other organization does what DoD is doing - providing the largest military-pet foster network, preventing military-pet relinquishment due to service commitments, and offering financial aid to military families for help with emergency pet care. Assistance with pets of all types is available to active duty service members, National Guard, reservists, honorably discharged veterans, and their families.
4Knines is proud to support Dogs on Deployment, and we hope you will consider pitching in to help them achieve the following goals:
- Coordinate volunteers to temporarily board military pets within 50 miles of all major military bases
- Become the go-to resource for military members when long-term pet boarding is needed (through partnerships with military assistance organizations, base family support centers, and animal shelters
- Advocate for increased rights for pet owners serving active duty in the military (through education at high levels about the problems of pet relinquishment by military members)
- Petition for annual, military-wide pet responsibility training (DOD wants pets to be considered part of the family by military regulations)
- Provide a searchable database of pet-related business partners who support troops through discount and incentive programs
- Help qualified military members pay for essential and emergency pet care through DoD’s Pet Chit Program (spay/neuter, emergency care, travel costs associated with a permanent change of station, etc.)
Your support will make a difference in the lives of countless military families, their thankful pets, and DOD volunteers. To learn more about the impact of Dogs on Deployment, please take the time to read some testimonials from grateful military pet owners.
There are many ways to help promote this award-winning organization! You can apply to become a DoD Boarder, follow their social media accounts, and/or make an ongoing or one-time donation.
