{"id":53902,"date":"2025-11-15T02:50:08","date_gmt":"2025-11-15T02:50:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/53902\/"},"modified":"2025-11-15T02:50:08","modified_gmt":"2025-11-15T02:50:08","slug":"orange-county-animal-shelter-adoption-fees-waived-for-veterans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/53902\/","title":{"rendered":"Orange County Animal Shelter Adoption Fees Waived for Veterans"},"content":{"rendered":"

U.S. veterans can adopt a cat or dog from Orange County\u2019s public animal shelters at no cost under the Pets for Vets Act<\/a> \u2014 a California law that waives adoption fees for those who served in the military.<\/p>\n

Leaders at Orange County Animal Care are encouraging veterans to take advantage of the reduced cost to recognize Veterans Day and National Veterans and Military Families Month in November.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn collaboration with our county, city, and community partners, including the Veterans Service Office, the shelter is dedicated to helping veterans connect with companion animals in need of loving homes all year long,\u201d reads a Nov. 7 statement from OC Animal Care.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Pets for Vets Act was enacted in 2020 and aims to honor U.S. veterans and their service by partnering them with a shelter pet companion who needs a home.<\/p>\n

The state law allows veterans to adopt a dog or cat for free from public California animal shelters, including OC Animal Care. Veterans must present a valid California driver\u2019s license or ID card with a \u201cveteran\u201d designation at the time of adoption.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Each veteran may adopt one animal for free every six months under the Pets for Vets Act. While adoption fees are waived, there may still be additional costs like licensing or microchipping fees.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo great things are coming together \u2014 our veterans, who devoted their lives protecting us, and animals that give unconditional love,\u201d Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen said in a Nov. 7 statement. \u201cWe have some really great dogs and cats at OC Animal Care waiting for their forever home. I urge all veterans to adopt a free pet, which will undoubtably provide comfort and relieve stress.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Two cats rest in their kennel at OC Animal Care in Tustin on Oct. 22, 2025. Credit: ANGELINA HICKS, Voice of OC<\/p>\n

Nick Berardino, a U.S. Marine combat veteran from the Vietnam War, said there are various ways that adopting a shelter pet is psychologically beneficial for veterans.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the things that creates a lot of suicide is loneliness,\u201d Berardino said in a phone interview. \u201cAs they transition, vets feel isolated. They\u2019re re-entering a world that they aren\u2019t used to and haven\u2019t been involved in for years. It\u2019s tough to do it alone. Having a companion that you know and trust \u2014 that you can share touch when you\u2019re feeling anxious \u2014 their touch is comforting.\u201d<\/p>\n

He also recommended that OC Animal Care and the county\u2019s veterans office should work together to create a joint marketing program so that veterans are more aware of Pets for Vets.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe results are wonderful for people who have these companions,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Organizations like Pets for Patriots<\/a> and Shelter to Soldier<\/a> work to pair veterans with pets from animal shelters through efforts like discounted adoption fees and financial assistance for pet supplies.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Veterans Health Administration has also partnered with the Humane Society of the United States to create Operation Hero-Animal Bond<\/a>, which matches veterans with adoptable shelter animals.<\/p>\n

The program aims to create a mutually beneficial human-animal bond that can help provide support and companionship for veterans while also helping them manage challenges like PTSD, depression or isolation.<\/p>\n

At the same time, the program also gives pets a chance at a new life outside California animal shelters that are often overcrowded.<\/p>\n

[Read: Grand Jury: OC Animal Shelter Needs Updated Policies to Stop Killing More Animals<\/a>]<\/p>\n

[Read: \u2018We\u2019re All Overwhelmed\u2019: As Orange County Becomes Overrun With Cats, Local Rescues Struggle to Keep Up<\/a>]<\/p>\n

\u201cOrange County is proud to support this important statewide program,\u201d Orange County Supervisor Doug Chaffee said in a statement. \u201cWe recognize the incredible bond between people and their pets and the positive impact that companionship can have on veterans as they transition back to civilian life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"OC Animal Care, an animal adoption center in Tustin, is home to many animals needing adoption from dogs and cats to hamsters and bunnies. Credit: GIL BOTHWELL, Voice of OC<\/p>\n

Pets for Vets is also recognized by other municipal animal shelters across Orange County, including city shelters in Irvine<\/a> and Laguna Beach<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cVeterans have stood by us, now it\u2019s our turn to stand by them,\u201d Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner said in a statement. \u201cThis initiative isn\u2019t just for November; this is a year-round commitment to helping veterans heal, reconnect, and thrive. We\u2019re proud to stand beside those who\u2019ve served by making pet adoption accessible whenever they\u2019re ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

OC Animal Care, the county-run animal shelter in Tustin, is open daily for adoption visits from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. During this time, visitors can freely walk through the kennel areas to view the available animals.<\/p>\n

To schedule an adoption visit, call the main line at (714) 935-6848 and mention the animal ID number for any specific pet you might be interested in.<\/p>\n

For more information about OC Animal Care click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Visit the pet adoptions page<\/a> to see available pets.<\/p>\n

Angelina Hicks is the Voice of OC Collegiate News Service Editor. Contact her at ahicks@voiceofoc.org or on Twitter @angelinahicks13.<\/p>\n

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