Pets For Vets Begins in Tioga County

A local animal shelter becomes only the 5^th in the Nation to join the Pets For Vets organization.

Stray Haven in Tioga County has been accepted as a member, which allows the shelter to work with area veterans to match them with companion animals.

Pets For Vets says it is dedicated to supporting veterans while providing a second chance for shelter pets.

Under the program, animal trainers evaluate shelter animals to select candidates for the program and then provide additional training to assimilate the pets into private homes

Officials say companion animals support veterans and often help them dealing with depression and other consequences of their past service as well as assisting them to transition to civilian life.

The Stray Haven branch is to be known as the Pets For Vets NY/PA Twin Tiers Chapter.

Veterans interested in participating only need to be a U-S Service Veteran and do not necessarily have to have served during a time of conflict. Information is available by calling (607) 565-2859.  The group can also be contacted by email at twintiers-ny@petsforvets.com.

Donations are also needed for the program.  Checks can be made out to Stray Haven Humane Society, 194 Shepard Road, Waverly, NY 14892 or by going to the shelter website at www.strayhavenhumanesociety.com and clicking on the “donate” prompt.

A Pets For Vets ambassador will be available to talk about the program and take donations at the August 15 Lee Greenwood concert at Tioga Downs.