DALLAS—The SPCA of Texas announces that its Dallas Animal Care Center, located at 2400 Lone Star Drive, will be open for adoptions for the first time this Memorial Day. In honor of Memorial Day, the SPCA of Texas is offering free pet adoptions to all active duty military personnel and veterans on Monday, May 26, 2025, from Noon to 6 p.m. Simply show your military ID at the adoption desk to qualify.

“The SPCA of Texas is proud to open our doors this Memorial Day and to honor military personnel—both past and present—who work so hard to keep our country safe,” said President & CEO Chris Luna, JD. “As we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the U.S. and their families, we know that a loving pet can help support individuals who might suffer from Post-traumatic stress disorder.

“Military Times also reports that rescuing a pet from a shelter can help the transition that makes it challenging for veterans to join or return to the civilian workforce. We want to make adopting one of our shelter pets—all of whom are so eager to love someone unconditionally—as easy as possible for these honorable individuals.”

A pet* can make anyone happy and pet ownership can be especially helpful for veterans with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), no matter if it’s a Shepherd or a Sheltie.

Military Times offers five ways dogs can help life turn around for veterans.

1.  Get active. Dogs help you get out of the house, get active and meet new people. Dogs need a lot of exercise, which is the perfect reason for owners to get out of the house. The act of simply leaving the house can boost your mood, but getting exercise in the process is also a great way to fight depression.

2.  Rebuild trust. Dog ownership helps those living with PTSD rebuild trust. Dogs are loyal and always there for you. Because the ability to trust is often damaged by PTSD, knowing you can depend on your dog can help you learn to trust people again, too.

3.  Give more love. Dogs bring out feelings of affection, and they love unconditionally. A lot of people with PTSD are ashamed of their condition or the way it affects their interactions with other people. Having a bad day can push loved ones away, but a dog will always be there.

4.Transition to civilian life. Dogs can be trained and take orders well, which is especially helpful for veterans who are used to giving orders. Authoritativeness often doesn’t have a place in civilian life, which can be a hard thing for veterans to adjust to. Having a dog to train can give veterans an opportunity to use their command skills in a constructive way.

5.Feel protected. Dogs make you feel safe and protected. Nightmares, traumatic flashbacks, anxiety and depression from PTSD can make you feel vulnerable. Dogs are always by your side, reminding you that you’re not alone.

It can be hard to return to or enter the civilian workforce after dedicating your life to service. Adopting a pet from an animal shelter or rescue can help to fulfill that call to duty. There are thousands of loving animals looking for new homes in shelters around North Texas.

Throughout the year, as a partner with Pets for Patriots, the SPCA of Texas offers half-price adoptions of adult dogs and adult cats as well as a 15% discount on spay and neuter surgeries, wellness and preventive care, and microchip services to all veterans.

*Fiddle is a happy-go-lucky, two-year-old Terrier mix who’s smart as a whip and loves to play and snuggle. He has all the qualities of the perfect dog for active duty military or veterans: loyal, loving and always ready to share in the joys of life with his cherished human companion. This fine boy with a laughing smile is available for adoption at the SPCA of Texas Dallas Animal Care Center (2400 Lone Star Dr, 75212), and his adoption fee will be waived for any military personnel on Tuesday, May 26th. Courtesy SPCA of Texas

About SPCA of Texas

Founded in 1938, the SPCA of Texas is a 501(c)3 non-profit animal welfare organization that operates one shelter, one spay/neuter clinic, one mobile adoptions vehicle and an animal rescue center, all located in Dallas County. The entity maintains a team of animal cruelty investigators who rescue hundreds of animals from cruel situations each year in North Texas counties. Moreover, the SPCA of Texas serves as an active resource center for an array of services that bring people and animals together to enrich each other’s lives.

The SPCA of Texas is not affiliated with any other organization and does not receive general operating funds from the City of Dallas, State of Texas, federal government or any other national humane organization. SPCA of Texas is dedicated to providing every animal exceptional care and a loving home. To learn more about the SPCA of Texas, visit spca.org.