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Dog Star Heroes Program: Serving Veterans & First Responders

 

We have big news! Our beloved Dog Star for Veterans program is now Dog Star Heroes. We are expanding this life-changing program to include first responders—firefighters, police officers, emergency medical responders, and more. For the past few years, we’ve proudly matched rescue dogs with veterans, and now we are honored to offer the same incredible support to those who serve our communities every day.

Check out our adoption process below, and when you’re ready, complete the application at your convenience or email us at [email protected] with any questions. From all of us at Dog Star Rescue, thank you for keeping us safe—both abroad and at home.

Dog Star Heroes Adoption Process

We are proud to have a special adoption program offering exclusive pricing and perks for:

  • Honorably discharged U.S. veterans

  • Active duty military members

  • First responders including:

    • Firefighters

    • Police officers

    • Emergency medical responders

    • Doctors & Nurses

Steps to Adoption:

  • Complete an online adoption application. There is a field in the application asking if you or your partner are a veteran, active military member, or a first responder.

  • Veterans and active military members: Proof of military service with a U.S. Military ID Card is required, designating honorable discharge if not currently active.

  • Disabled veterans: A letter from the veteran’s personal physician attesting to their suitability for a companion dog is required.

  • First responders: No proof of service is required.

  • All applicants will have an interview with our Dog Star Heroes team to learn more about your home environment and what you are looking for in a rescue dog.

  • We may meet applicants at their homes and conduct home visits as needed, including follow-up visits after adoption, to ensure the best match for you and your dog. This is part of our adoption contract.

  • Veterans and first responders: We will reimburse 50% of the cost of one 6-week basic skills obedience class (up to $200) with a pre-approved trainer.

  • Upon completion of the training, a certificate will be required as proof.

Adoption Fee Discounts:

  • 100% of the adoption fee covered for disabled veterans (currently $500 for dogs over four months and under age seven)
  • 50% of the adoption fee covered for honorably discharged veterans, active military members, and first responders (currently $250) 

  • Veterans agree to allow Dog Star Heroes access to veterinary records for the life of the dog as part of the adoption agreement.

Vaccination & Wellness Clinics

We also offer 100% free dog and cat vaccination and wellness clinics for veterans as our way of saying thank you. Information about upcoming clinic dates and details will be posted on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

 

For additional information or questions, please contact us at [email protected].