Veterans of Past and Present Encouraged to Adopt Pets for Free Until Jan. 31

Military veterans of the past and present are encouraged to start the new year off by adding a brand new family pet to their homes through the Pets to Patriots program -- a no cost pet adoption program offered by the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control until the end of January 2012.

“We are thrilled to offer this program in honor of our nation’s soldiers, past and present, who have unselfishly served us all so well,” said Marcia Mayeda, Director for the county's Department of Animal Care and Control. “A shelter pet’s love is unconditional and irreplaceable.”

Medical experts believe that having a loving pet can provide subtle to profound therapeutic effects for their owners. They are also the perfect exercise buddy and can also help on with simple tasks (physical or emotional) around the home, according to animal control department. 

All county Animal Care Centers are participating in the Pets to Patriots program, which was spearheaded by the non-profit animal shelter assistance organization called LA Animal Alliance (www.laanimalalliance.org) and is powered by the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation. For more information on this program, animal care center hours, or to view pets online, visit www.animalcare.lacounty.gov.