More Than a Pet: Ensuring Your Dog is Cared for During Military Deployment

BySavanna Read

For the over 1.6 million brave men and women actively serving in the U.S. military, the challenges of fulfilling their duties are numerous and significant. But for the estimated 30-40% of those service members who are also dog owners, there‘s an added layer of stress when facing a deployment: finding a way to ensure their beloved canine companion is well cared for in their absence.

As any dog lover knows, our connection with our furry friends is an incredibly powerful one. And for those in the military, that bond can be a vital source of comfort, relief, and support amidst the demands of service.

"My dog Roxy has been by my side through multiple deployments and relocations – she‘s the one constant in all the chaos and uncertainty," says Major Tom Belmont, who has served in the Army for 12 years. "I can‘t imagine getting through it all without her unwavering love and loyalty."

The Military-Pet Bond by the Numbers

According to a recent study by the School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University:

  • Approximately 60-70% of military households have at least one pet
  • Dogs are the most common pet, owned by 84% of military pet owners
  • The average number of dogs per military dog owner is 1.6
  • 97% of military pet owners consider their animals to be family members

These strong ties are further reflected in the growing body of research on the mental health impact of the human-animal bond. A 2021 study in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that military members and veterans with PTSD who had a pet dog reported lower depression, anxiety and social isolation compared to those without a pet.

Another survey of nearly 2000 Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans conducted by the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine revealed that:

  • 81% felt having a dog helped them cope with physical or emotional symptoms
  • 73% said their dogs provided a reason to get out of the house and be active
  • 64% reported their dog was the most significant social support in their life

"For soldiers dealing with combat-related trauma, this bond with their dog can be a real lifeline," explains Dr. Leanne Nieforth, a psychologist who specializes in treating military personnel and veterans. "That responsibility to care for their dog gives them a sense of purpose and a positive outlet during the darkest times."

Having a Deployment Plan is Crucial

Given this deep connection, it‘s no surprise that the prospect of being separated from their dog during deployment can be incredibly stressful for service members. That‘s why experts say having a comprehensive pet care plan in place well before potential deployment is absolutely essential.

"The number one mistake I see is soldiers waiting until the last minute to find care for their dog," says Lisa Yetter, founder of Military Pets Foster Project. "Scrambling to make arrangements in the midst of an already emotional transition just compounds the strain on both the owner and their dog."

Yetter, a military spouse herself, started the nonprofit after seeing fellow military families struggle to find temporary homes for their pets during deployment. She recommends starting to put together a plan as soon as you get a dog, or at least several months before a potential deployment.

Key components of a military pet care plan should include:

  • Designated caregiver(s): this could be a family member, friend, professional pet sitter, or foster program
  • Detailed care instructions: include your dog‘s feeding/exercise schedule, medical info, behavior notes
  • Financial arrangements: budget for food, supplies, vet care and set up an emergency fund
  • Communication plan: establish how often you want updates on your dog and best way to stay in touch
  • Emergency contacts: someone who can step in if your primary caregiver is unable to continue care
  • Updated ID tags: have tags made with your temporary caregiver‘s contact info

"Having all this documented in one place, like a pet care binder, gives such peace of mind," Yetter notes. "You know you‘ve done all you can to provide for your dog and set your caregiver up for success."

Evaluating Temporary Care Options

Every military pet owner‘s situation is different, so it‘s wise to thoroughly assess the temporary care options available to find the best fit for your dog‘s unique needs. Here‘s a breakdown of the most common choices:

Family & Friends

Ideally, your dog‘s primary caretaker should be someone who‘s already familiar with them, like a close family member or friend. This provides a level of consistency and comfort for them even in your absence. However, it‘s important to have very candid discussions upfront about the expectations and responsibilities involved, as it is a substantial commitment. If possible, have your dog do some extended visits with this person in the months leading up to deployment to get them acclimated.

Professional Pet Sitters

For dogs who do best in their own environment, hiring a professional pet sitter to provide in-home care can be a great option. This allows your pup to maintain a sense of normalcy in your home and get one-on-one attention. To find the right fit, ask for recommendations from fellow military pet owners and your veterinarian, then schedule interviews to get to know the candidates. Look for sitters with experience caring for military pets and always check references. A background check for added security is also a smart move.

Boarding Facilities

Reputable boarding facilities are well-equipped to care for dogs for extended periods and provide socialization for those pups who enjoy being around other dogs. When evaluating potential facilities, inquire about their experience with military pet clients and the specific services they provide. You‘ll want to ensure the facility is properly licensed and insured and that the staff are trained in dog behavior and medical care. Independent certifications by The International Boarding and Pet Services Association are a good sign. Visiting the facility in person to see the accommodations and observe the staff interacting with the animals is a must. If possible, schedule a few daycare or overnight stays for your dog prior to deployment to help them get comfortable in that environment.

Military Pet Foster Programs

An increasing number of nonprofit organizations now exist to provide temporary foster homes for military pets during deployment. These programs are typically run by a network of volunteers who understand the unique challenges faced by service members. They work to carefully match pets with foster families who can provide the specific care they need in a loving home setting.

Some of the most well-established military pet foster programs include:

Many program volunteers have a personal connection to the military and view fostering as a way to give back. Army veteran turned foster parent James Recio explains, "I know exactly how hard it is to leave your dog behind. Being able to provide that sense of security to my fellow soldiers and a loving home to their pups during deployment is so fulfilling."

These programs also often provide financial assistance for food, supplies and veterinary care, which can be a great help to soldiers and their families. Applying to be matched with a foster home typically involves an extensive questionnaire about your dog‘s needs to optimize compatibility and an interview to discuss expectations. Fosters then send regular updates including photos and videos to keep owners connected with their pets.

"Having that reassurance that Murphy was not only safe but genuinely thriving with his foster family made all the difference during my deployment," shares Navy Lieutenant Olivia Torres. "I could breathe easier knowing he was getting all the love and care he needed until we could be reunited."

Preparing Your Pup for the Transition

In addition to finding the right temporary care situation, it‘s also important to take steps to get your dog ready for the impending changes. Animal behaviour experts say the key is to keep their routine as consistent as possible in the weeks leading up to deployment while gradually introducing elements of the upcoming transition.

"Dogs are incredibly sensitive to change and emotions, so they‘ll likely already be sensing that something is different," notes veterinary behaviourist Dr. Lisa Aumiller. "Keeping their usual schedule and engaging in the activities they love with you will help maintain a sense of stability."

At the same time, it‘s beneficial to start acclimating them to what‘s to come by:

  • Having the temporary caregiver come over for increasingly longer visits
  • Sending your dog for sleepovers at their boarding facility or foster home
  • Packing up their favourite toys, bedding, and comfort items to bring along
  • Using puzzle feeders and long-lasting treats to build confidence when alone
  • Playing recordings of your voice for them to become accustomed to it on audio

If your dog has a history of separation anxiety, it‘s a good idea to discuss a plan with your vet to manage their stress in the initial transition. This may include the use of calming pheromone products, supplements, or anti-anxiety medications.

Then, when the day comes for you to leave, try to keep your farewell positive and not prolong the goodbye.

"We instinctively want to make a big emotional fuss over our dogs, but that often just heightens their anxiety," Dr. Aumiller advises. "Instead, focus on staying upbeat, giving them their favourite long-lasting treat to enjoy, and heading out without bringing a lot of attention to it."

Financing Fido‘s Care

Budgeting for a dog‘s care during deployment is an essential piece of the planning process. Boarding, pet sitting, food, and supplies for several months can add up quickly, so it‘s important to crunch the numbers early on.

Some key financial considerations for military pet owners:

  • Compare rates and services for boarding facilities, sitters, and foster programs
  • Factor in costs beyond just room and board like grooming, extra playtime, medical care
  • Utilize military discounts offered by many pet care providers and retailers
  • Look into financial assistance grants from organizations like The Pet Fund and Operation Military Pets
  • Set up a dedicated pet care savings fund to ensure money is available upfront
  • Enroll in pet insurance to help cover potential emergency medical expenses
  • Arrange for auto-delivery of food and supplies to streamline logistics and potentially save money

Many military families find creative ways to make ends meet when it comes to pet care costs. Navy Commander Janet Nguyen shares, "When I was deployed, my parents watched my dog, but I offset costs by having his food, treats, and toys auto-shipped to their house. It was a bit more work on the front end but helped a lot financially."

Tapping Into the Military Pet Community

One of the most helpful parts of being a military pet owner is the strong sense of community and support among those who share this unique experience. There are a wealth of resources and organizations dedicated to assisting service members navigating pet care challenges.

Some top resources for military pet owners include:

"This community understands the challenges and the heartbreak of leaving your dog to serve like no one else," says Kristen Maurer, president of Mission K9 Rescue, which rehabilitates and rehomes retired military working dogs. "But they also understand the unparalleled love and healing power of reuniting with your battle buddy. We‘re all in this together."

Many military installations also have dedicated social media groups for local pet owners to connect, swap advice, and even volunteer to help each other out with pet sitting. Building those relationships with others who share the military pet parent experience can be an invaluable source of practical and emotional support.

The Power of the Dog-Soldier Bond

Ultimately, the connection between military members and their dogs is a bond worth fighting for. The loyalty, comfort, and pure joy our canine companions provide can be a true lifeline during the most challenging of times.

"In the midst of so much uncertainty and chaos, my dog was the one thing I could always count on," reflects Army Staff Sergeant Mark Daniels. "Knowing I had to come home to him, it gave me a sense of purpose and a reason to keep going. He saved me as much as I did him."

The growing body of research on the human-animal bond confirms this sentiment. A recent study published in Anthrozoös found that military veterans with service dogs reported increased resilience and ability to cope with challenges compared to those without dogs. The healing impact of canine connection for those who serve is undeniable.

"Dogs have an incredible capacity to love, comfort, and motivate – the very things our military needs most," says Christine Benninger, president and CEO of Warrior Canine Connection, which provides service dogs to veterans. "The relationship between veterans and their dogs is truly sacred. It‘s a partnership built on mutual dedication, trust, and unconditional love."

By recognizing the power of this bond and taking proactive steps to preserve it, military pet owners can navigate deployments while knowing their furry family member is in good hands. It may take some extra planning, creativity, and leaning on the support of others – but for devoted dog lovers like Major Belmont, it‘s more than worth it.

"My dog is so much more than just a pet – she‘s my anchor, my family, my home," he says. "Making sure she‘s taken care of when duty calls is a non-negotiable. Because no matter where I am in the world, knowing Roxy is waiting for me gives me the strength to keep serving."

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