Three Kelowna organizations, Fetcher’s Keep Senior Dog Foundation, City Centre Veterinary Clinic, and the Veterans Food Bank of Kelowna, have joined hands to help veterans and their veteran dogs.

The three organizations got together on K9 Veterans Day, March 13, 2025, to raise awareness about the financial stresses faced by many veterans in the community while taking care of their four-legged friends. The group is now pooling resources to support veterans and low-income residents in taking proper care of their senior dogs.

The Veterans Food Bank provides resources to veterans throughout the region, including food and essentials for their pets. Fletcher’s Keep offers daycare for senior dogs and provides funds to cover their medical and dental care. City Centre Veterinary Clinic will work with both organizations, offering critical support, veterinary care, and other resources to support veterans and their pets.

Many veterans in Kelowna rely on their pets for companionship and mental support, and the elderly pets can be at risk if their owners have to surrender them to a shelter. The initiative helps improve the lives of those who served and their loyal companions.

With the objective that no senior ends up, suffers, or dies alone, Fletcher’s Keep is working towards setting up a support program featuring carers, or “keepers”, who will go out into the community.

Source: Castanet