Bridging the Gap, Opening Doors for Veterans
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Two-Legged and Four-Legged

Veteran Pet Adoption & K-9 Vest Program

Standing Together for Those Who Served, Two-Legged and Four-Legged

Service creates bonds that are difficult to put into words. For many veterans, the companionship of an animal can bring connection, routine, and comfort during the transition to civilian life. For law enforcement officers, trained K-9 partners stand beside them in some of the most demanding situations they face.

The Veteran Pet Adoption & K-9 Vest Program gives Bridging the Gap for Veterans another way to stand behind those who serve.

Through partnerships with local animal shelters, rescue organizations, and law enforcement programs, we help make pet adoption more accessible for veterans while supporting protective equipment for K-9 officers serving communities throughout New Jersey.
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A dog wearing a tactical vest in front of a house flying an American flag

Two-Legged

logo mark left white
Right half of the Bridging the Gap logo mark (civilian)

Four-Legged

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of eligible pet adoption costs for veterans

Helping Veterans Find
Companionship and Connection

A companion animal can become an important part of life after military service.

Bridging the Gap for Veterans partners with selected local shelters and rescue organizations to help veterans bring a dog or cat into their homes. Through program funding, participating organizations can receive grants that help cover 50% of eligible pet adoption costs for veterans.

For veterans navigating the challenges that can follow military service, including Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), the companionship of an animal can provide comfort, consistency, and connection.

By helping reduce the financial barrier to adoption, we can create opportunities for veterans and animals in need of homes to find one another.
A working dog in a harness

Supporting the K-9s
Who Serve Beside Us

Service does not always happen on two legs.

Police K-9s work alongside their handlers to protect communities and support law enforcement operations, often serving in demanding situations where their safety matters just as much as that of the officers beside them.

Through partnerships with local law enforcement organizations, Bridging the Gap for Veterans helps support K-9 vest programs that provide protective equipment for working police dogs.

It is another way we can recognize those who serve our communities while helping protect the four-legged partners who stand beside them.
A dog sitting on a lawn

Coffee With a Purpose

Every Cup Helps Support the Mission

The Coffee Platoon® is more than a cup of coffee. Proceeds help Bridging the Gap for Veterans generate funding for programs serving veterans, first responders, and their communities.

That mission includes helping support veteran pet adoption grants and local K-9 vest initiatives.

Every purchase creates another opportunity to turn an everyday cup of coffee into meaningful support for those who have served.
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Frequently Asked Questions

848.895.3500

Questions? Call our team.

Are these trained service dogs or companion animals?

Companion animals. This program focuses on helping veterans adopt dogs and cats through participating local shelters and rescue organizations. It is not a certified service-dog training or placement program.
No. Bridging the Gap for Veterans provides financial grants to participating shelters and rescue organizations to help cover 50% of eligible adoption costs for veterans.
The program recognizes the companionship and support animals can provide to veterans experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), while also supporting veteran pet adoption more broadly. For current eligibility requirements, please contact Bridging the Gap for Veterans directly.
No. We partner with local animal shelters and rescue organizations to help connect veterans with dogs and cats available for adoption.
No. The K-9 vest portion of the program supports local law enforcement K-9 programs and helps provide protective equipment for working police dogs.
Organizations interested in participating in the program can contact Bridging the Gap for Veterans to learn more about current partnership opportunities and program availability.
Contact Bridging the Gap for Veterans at 848-895-3500 for current information about participating shelters, rescue organizations, and K-9 initiatives.
Bridging the Gap for Veterans logo mark in white

Stronger Bonds. Stronger Communities.

Standing behind those who serve.

A veteran welcoming a new companion. A shelter helping another animal find a home. A police K-9 receiving additional protection in the line of duty.

Each represents a different kind of support, but they are connected by the same commitment: standing behind those who serve.

With the support of donors, community partners, and Coffee Platoon® customers, Bridging the Gap for Veterans can continue creating meaningful ways to honor service, strengthen local organizations, and support veterans and first responders throughout our communities.
Support the Veteran Pet Adoption & K-9 Vest Program