Sometimes the Best Way Forward is Together
Coming home does not always mean the battle is over.
For many veterans, leaving military service with physical and psychological wounds can also mean leaving behind the structure, routine, connection, and sense of purpose that once shaped everyday life. The days can become quieter. Isolation can set in. Reconnecting with people and establishing a new routine may not come easily.
A companion animal cannot erase what a veteran has experienced. But the right animal can bring comfort, connection, responsibility, routine, and a reason to keep moving forward.
Battle Buddies connects eligible veterans with adoptable companion animals through participating shelters and rescue organizations.
Because sometimes healing begins with a connection to an animal, a leash by the door, or a companion waiting for you at home.
A Companion for the Road Ahead
Battle Buddies was created to help veterans experience the everyday benefits of animal companionship.
A companion animal can provide:
• A steady presence at home
• A renewed sense of routine
• Motivation to get up, get outside, and stay active
• Comfort during difficult or lonely moments
• Responsibility and purpose
• A connection that does not require an explanation
Battle Buddies brings together two lives that may be searching for the same thing: connection, trust, and a new beginning.
You gave your service. Now a companion animal may be ready to stand beside you.
Battle Buddies is Now Available in Pilot Communities
Battle Buddies is now available as a pilot program in select markets. This initial phase will allow the Purple Heart Foundation and its rescue partners to connect veterans with adoptable companion animals, evaluate the process, and build a strong foundation for future growth across the U.S.
How it Works
Through Battle Buddies, eligible veterans may be matched with a companion animal from participating shelters, with donor support helping cover key upfront costs that often prevent adoption.
Support may include:
- Adoption-related costs
- Early adjustment guidance for the veteran and pet
- Resources for building healthy routines at home
- Support designed to encourage confidence, connection, and responsible placement
This makes Battle Buddies more than a sponsored adoption. It helps create a stronger start for both the veteran and the companion animal.
What Battle Buddies is Not
Battle Buddies is not a service dog program. Companion animals placed through this program are not task-trained service animals, and do not provide public access rights. They are also not classified as emotional support animals. This program is about companionship, stability, and everyday connection.
Ready to Find Your Battle Buddy?
The first step is to complete the Battle Buddies application and submit your DD 214 for verification.
Once your veteran status is confirmed, we will forward your application to the appropriate participating rescue partner in your area. That organization will then contact you directly to learn more about you, explain its adoption process, and discuss available companion animals.
Please keep in mind that animal availability and adoption requirements may vary by location and rescue partner and that your application does not guarantee compainion placement.
Pilot Program Rescue Partners
We are currently connecting veterans to the following rescue partners:
California
- Marley’s Mutts
Tehachapi (Dogs) - Golden State German Shepherd Rescue
Alemeda (Dogs)
Florida
- Mercy Full Project
Tampa (Dogs)
SPONSORS NEEDED!
Battle Buddies needs sponsors who are ready to help bring this program to life!
This is a direct, visible way for businesses, foundations, and major donors to support veterans. Sponsorship can help underwrite placements, support launch regions, expand shelter participation, and fund the care and transition support needed to give veterans and companion animals a strong start.
Sponsorship support can help fund:
- Multiple veteran-animal placements
- Shelter partner expansion
- Adoption and wellness costs
- Training and transition support
- Regional growth in our pilot markets
You’ll also receive recognition through our website and digital marketing channels, and as the program grows, so will your exposure to a national audience!
Giving Tiers That Make the Impact Obvious
You should be able to say exactly what your gift did.
- $150 to $250: Ready Start
Helps cover vaccines or testing support plus starter supplies
- $350 to $600: Adoption Underwritten
Covers the adoption fee plus baseline wellness package
- $750 to $1,200: Fully Funded Match
Fully funds one veteran’s Battle Buddies adoption and medical baseline
- $2,500 to $10,000: Rescue Partner Sponsor
Underwrites multiple adoptions for a specific shelter and includes co-branded impact reporting
Attention Animal Rescue Operators!
We are working to expand the Battle Buddies Companion Animal Program throughout the U.S. If you would like to learn more about having your animal rescue to be considered as partner, please complete the form here and let us know!
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Battle Buddies is a companion animal program. You are not entitled to public access rights, and your pet is not task-trained.
Donors cover the costs of ready-to-adopt animals, paid to rescue partners, such as adoption fees, spaying or neutering, an initial wellness exam, and core testing and prevention, based on local standards and rescue protocols and as dictated by the shelter.
Ongoing food and routine care after the initial period, and emergency vet care unless separately funded by a safety-net tier.
The program prioritizes solutions before surrender, with rescue-led support pathways and a no-shame exit option when needed.
Give a veteran a steady companion and give an animal a mission again.
