CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — The Wright-Poling Pickaway County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center has partnered with national nonprofit Pets for Patriots to offer free dog adoptions to local military veterans and Gold Star spouses.
Under the new program, eligible veterans from any era—including active duty personnel—and spouses of service members killed or missing in action can adopt a dog for just the cost of a county dog license. Adopters will also receive a free goodie bag of pet supplies.
The initiative focuses on finding homes for specific groups of animals that often face longer shelter stays, including adult dogs, animals with special needs, long-term shelter residents, and dogs weighing 40 pounds or more.
“Joining the Pets for Patriots program is more than a partnership—it is a commitment to serving those who have served our nation while giving deserving shelter dogs a second chance at life,” said Pickaway County Chief Dog Warden Jeremy Grant.
To participate, veterans and Gold Star spouses must first apply and get approved online through the Pets for Patriots website. Once approved, they can visit the Pickaway County shelter to select an eligible dog.
“Pets for Patriots exists to help people save pets and pets save people,” said Beth Zimmerman, founder and executive director of the nonprofit. “Our veterinary partners are on the front lines to help pets adopted by local heroes and hero families stay healthy and happy.”
Since its founding in 2010, Pets for Patriots has facilitated more than 5,000 adoptions nationwide.
The Wright-Poling Pickaway County Dog Shelter is located at 21253 Ringgold Southern Road in Circleville. For more information on how to apply, visit petsforpatriots.org or the Pickaway County Dog Warden office website.
