Proof of service

Who is eligible to apply?

We accept applications from men and women at all stages of their military careers and from all United States armed forces. Pets for Patriots is proud to serve veterans from WWII through those currently in service.

Character of service must be Honorable; separations characterized as General discharge, Under Honorable conditions or Dishonorable are ineligible.

Individuals convicted of a felony, sexual offense of any kind and/or any type of animal mistreatment, abuse, neglect or cruelty are ineligible.

What are the requirements?

Length of service

You must have completed a minimum of 190 days of military service after completion of active duty and/or basic training.

Reservists and members of the National Guard who were never activated are eligible to apply, and must meet this same minimum service requirement.

Proof of service

Active Duty Applicants

A COPY OF ONE OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS IS REQUIRED TO APPLY:

Current original orders, including signature page(s)

STP (Soldier’s Talent Profile, formerly ERB – Enlisted Record Brief) reflecting full/current active duty service history

CDB (Air Force – Career Data Brief)

BIR (Marine Corps – Basic Individual Record), reflecting full/current active duty service history

ESR (Navy – Electronic Service Record) or NSIPS (Navy Standard Integrated Personnel Systems), reflecting full/current active duty service history

Statement of service from your CO with your name, entry date on active duty, duration of any lost time and name of the command providing the information; must be dated within 30 days of application, on command letterhead and signed.

Please redact your social security number prior to sending any documentation

National Guard and Reserves

A COPY OF ONE OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS IS REQUIRED TO APPLY:

Most recent/last-issued DD214 with block including character of service as Honorable. If you do not have a copy of your DD214, you can request a copy from the National Archives

DD256 if separated from Reserves and/or was never activated

CDB (Air Force – Career Data Brief)

NGB-438 (Air National Guard)

NGB-55 with evidence of Honorable of service

NGB-22 (Report of Separation and Record of Service) with proof of Honorable of service

NGB-23 (Retirement Points Accounting)

Please redact your social security number prior to sending any documentation

Inactive reserve, retired or veteran (discharged / separated from service)

A COPY OF ONE OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS IS REQUIRED TO APPLY:

Most recent/last-issued DD214 reflecting final tour of duty, with block including character of service as Honorable; we do not accept discharge certificates towards this requirement. If you do not have a copy of your DD214, you can request a copy from the National Archives

Please redact your social security number prior to sending any documentation

The following are NOT accepted as proof of service:

Pay stubs/LES

Dependent IDs

Retired military IDs

Military IDs

Disability letters

Veterans Administration ID cards

Social Security cards

Drivers license

Other documents not listed explicitly as acceptable proof of service

Other information you should know

You can request a copy of your DD214 from the National Archives
Please redact your social security number prior to sending any documents; our privacy policy describes how we handle your information

Documents copied/pasted into Word document, txt file or into the body of the email are not accepted; we suggest emailing PDF of original document, or sending via fax or regular mail

Spouses, parents, siblings, other relatives, guardians or any other individual may not apply on behalf of a veteran, without exception. The application is a legal agreement made directly between Pets for Patriots and the veteran. If you need help applying online please call toll-free 877-473-8223

Other circumstances

Proof of legal name change: (Marriage, divorce or other)

A letter with all of the following information is required to apply:

Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other legal document detailing name change(s)
If multiple name changes apply you must provide legal proof of each name change
Drivers license, VA card, or similar forms of identification are not accepted