City of San José

Kellie Benz, Public Information Manager, Public Works Department 408-250-1594; The City of San José Animal Care and Services Welcomed by Pets for Patriots to its National Companion Pet Adoption Program for Military Veterans

SAN JOSE, Calif. (November 7, 2024) - The City of San José Animal Care and Services (ACS) has partnered with Pets for Patriots to support the adoption of the most overlooked shelter animals by veterans. This partnership aligns with ACS's mission to provide a welcoming and humane place for animals and those who care for them; to develop programs that improve the lives of people and animals; and to create opportunities for our community and supporters to help us succeed. "I am thrilled to announce that we are now one of two municipal shelters in the Bay Area recognized by Pets for Patriots as an official shelter partner," said City Manager Jennifer Maguire. "I look forward to this new partnership and placing pets into their forever homes." On Saturday, Nov. 2, ACS facilitated its first adoption through the Pets for Patriots program. John Carlo, an Air Force veteran, came into the Center to meet Emilio, a two-year-old tabby, one of the most overlooked cats at the Center. Carlo adopted Emilio – his now forever home. Pets for Patriots recognize San José Animal Care's shared passion for giving our nation's veterans renewed purpose through companion pet adoption. San José Animal Care has always waived adoption fees to veterans. It now hopes more veterans can adopt program-eligible dogs and cats through its partnership with Pets for Patriots. "This program aims to make a difference for our local veterans and our overlooked shelter pets," said Matt Loesch, Public Works Director. "By eliminating any barriers for veterans, their families, and loving pets to find each other, it is one small way we can give thanks for the sacrifices our veterans have made for our country." Animals eligible for adoption through Pets for Patriots include dogs and cats who are adult, special needs, or long-term homeless, as well as larger breed dogs. The program is open to veterans and current military service members. "We help shelters inspire the adoption of the more overlooked animals in their care," says Beth Zimmerman, Pets for Patriots Executive Director. "At the same time, veterans find a new sense of purpose through the unconditional love of a shelter pet who has been given a second, maybe even a third, chance at life." Veterans must apply to Pets for Patriots online and provide relevant eligibility documents. Approval typically takes no more than two business days, after which veterans can visit San Jose Animal Care Center at 2750 Monterey Road, San José, CA, to find their new best friends. For more information, visit www.bit.ly/SJ_PetsForPatriots . To learn about Pets for Patriots, visit www.petsforpatriots.org and join them on Instagram , Facebook and X . About the City of San José With almost 1 million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States and is Northern California's largest city and the 13th largest city in the nation. San José's transformation into a global innovation center has resulted in one of the largest concentrations of technology companies and expertise in the world. About City of San José Animal Care & Services Animal Care & Services is a division of the Public Works Department, City of San José The division works to fulfill a mission to provide a welcoming and humane place for animals and those who care for them; to protect, educate and serve the public; to develop programs that improve the lives of people and animals; and to create opportunities for our community and supporters to help us succeed. The division runs the City's Animal Care Center at 2750 Monterey Road, San José, CA. In October 2024, the Center celebrated 20 years helping pets in need in the San Francisco Bay Area's South Bay. Follow on Instagram or Facebook or go to www.adoptapetsj.org . About Pets for Patriots Pets for Patriots gives the gifts of fidelity, joy and love to veterans and pets through companion animal adoption. The nationally operating nonprofit organization helps veterans and service members adopt the most overlooked dogs and cats, including adult, special needs, long-term homeless, and large breed pets, offering them a second chance at life through adoption. Pets for Patriots partners with U.S. shelter and veterinary networks, military and veteran organizations, and the public to value and honor the lives of the most vulnerable and heroic among us. For more information, visit www.petsforpatriots.org . # # #