A recentlyannounced Jersey City program that plans to connect veterans with shelter pets must change its name — because the moniker is already taken, the original Pets for Vets organization told city officials Monday.
Jersey City’s pets for veterans program was announced May 1, along with another initiative for local veterans, Veterans in Total Active Lifestyle (VITAL), which provides an array of support services.
“While we certainly don’t want to interfere with the positive impact your service is having within our veteran and animal adoption communities, we must insist that you refrain from using the term “PETS FOR VETS” in connection with your services,” wrote Hanah Bennett, of the federal501(c)(3) nonprofit Pets for Vets, Inc.
Bennett said in the email to the city that the national Pets for Vets, through a nationwide network of licensed chapters and approved trainers, has brought together more than 650 animals and veterans in a thoughtful, caring way over the past 15 years. “We have been endorsed and supported by military personnel, nationally recognized celebrities, other public figures and organizations and businesses of all sizes."
Not surprisingly, the mission of both programs are similar — matching shelter animals with military veterans who may have experienced physical and/or emotional injuries to help heal those wounds through the power of the human-animal bond and to provide a second chance for shelter animals by rescuing, training and pairing them with America’s servicemen and women.
“Clearly, this is something the organization encounters often, and we responded to thank them for bringing this to our attention and to advise that we will rename our local program to ensure Jersey City veterans can continue to adopt animals from our shelter,” Jersey City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said.
Pets for Vets, Inc. has locations in Atlanta, Georgia; Boise, Idaho; Madison, Wisconsin and Portland, Maine. The name was first registered in 2009.
“Together, we’re creating a bond that transcends words, offering companionship and understanding to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom,” POBA Executive Board Member Letia Nalls, who leads the pets-for-vets project, said when Jersey City announced the program. “(It) is not just about connecting veterans with furry companions; it’s about honoring the selfless service of our veterans and healing invisible wounds with unconditional love and restoring purpose, one paw at a time.”
