Nonprofits Rally to Support Military Families with Pets and Service Animals

Two Arizona organizations, Soldier’s Best Friend and the Arizona Humane Society (AHS), are making a significant impact on military families by addressing the mental health of veterans and the welfare of their pets during and after service.

AHS’s Project Active Duty, initiated after the September 11 attacks, collaborates with PetSmart Charities and Credit Union West to offer foster care for the pets of deployed service members. This program is a source of comfort for those on active duty, assuring them that their pets will be cared for until they return.

Typically, the program assists five to ten pets each year whose owners are deployed. Carrie Hughes, director of the AHS foster program, highlighted the case of Sabo, a 2-year-old husky, who has been fostered for over two years while his owner serves overseas.

“It’s an amazing connection for volunteers to support those serving our country,” Hughes said. “Our service members find relief knowing their pets are safe and awaiting their return.”

Once funded by a PetSmart Charities grant, Project Active Duty now depends on community donations to sustain its long-term mission of supporting military families and their pets.

Soldier’s Best Friend, based in Peoria, complements AHS’s efforts by rescuing dogs and training them to become service or support animals for veterans coping with PTSD. Founded in 2011, the organization is led by executive director Mik Milem.

“We provide veterans with support dogs rescued from local shelters,” Milem explained. “The training lasts about nine months, culminating in the qualification of the dog as a service animal.”

Over 400 veteran-dog teams have graduated from the program, which has also rescued more than 300 dogs. Together, veterans and their dogs undergo extensive training that maximizes the therapeutic benefits of the bond.

“Each team trains with our trainers twice a week for one hour, plus an additional hour daily for five days. This totals 180 training hours for certification,” Milem noted. “We operate statewide with 16 trainers and facilities throughout the Phoenix area.”

The organization hosts events to support veterans, including the recent Veteran Dog Fair in Peoria, which offered complimentary food and vaccines for veterans and their dogs.

Sharyn Conway, a veteran participant in the program, shared her inspiring journey. She trained with her first dog, Bijou, who was part of the inaugural graduating class in 2011. After Bijou’s passing, she returned with her new dog, Sodality.

“I struggled with severe agoraphobia and PTSD, and Soldier’s Best Friend helped me heal through my bond with Bijou,” Conway said. “I have been involved since their inception.”