Veteran Support Command Center
Facility provides veterans with mental health and housing challenges with
support and service for their companion and service dogs they refuse to give up.
In furthering our mission of supporting veterans and their companion and service dogs,
Paws of War recently expanded its Nesconset headquarters with the opening of its
Veteran Support Command Center. This new facility will provide veterans and first
responders struggling with PTSD, mental health crises, addiction and homelessness
with a safe haven to receive the assistance and resources they need.
Veterans and first responders with service or companion animals, some who are
homeless or are facing medical emergencies, need special attention to ensure that they
gain access to services. Often, having a service or companion dog limits access to
housing and health care options. In many cases these heroes will refuse support, care
and services, remaining homeless because they will not leave their pets behind.
For homeless veterans who have emotional support or service animals, Paws of War
finds short-term temporary or long-term homes. In the event an animal is not permitted
in a temporary shelter or dwelling, or the owner has other extenuating circumstances,
Paws of War will foster the animal at their kennel, where the dogs will be cared for by
their trained experts until they are reunited with their owners. The organization will also
adopt the dogs if a veteran can no longer provide care, or sadly, if the veteran passes
away.
“When veterans and their companion animals are in crisis, every second counts. Many of our heroes suffer from addiction, mental health issues and some are homeless. In times of crisis, they will not part with their beloved pets and continue to struggle. Our support center is a major step forward in furthering our mission to assist veterans in overcoming challenges and keeping their beloved pets safe and by their side,”
Through Paws of War’s partnerships with local agencies and organizations, veterans
and first responders will have access to specialized programs that address their
personal needs. These include services for housing, substance abuse and addiction,
mental and physical health services along with veterinary care and sheltering options for
their service animals.
