It'll be difficult to say goodbye to your pet, but it'll be exciting to think of the exciting reunion when you return! Just remember to pair him with a loving home, because not only will he need lots of love, he'll also need to have a schedule that's similar to his existing one with you.

Once you've received your deployment orders from the military, you need to figure out a housing plan for your dog. The first people for you to consider is your Friends and Family. Ask yourself:

 

• Is this person able to manage my dog’s or cat’s physical needs?
• Does this person have an existing and positive relationship with my pet? Never leave your four-legged friend with someone they don’t know and who doesn’t know them, much less for extended periods of time.
• Can I provide all of the necessary resources to ensure my pet’s health in my absence? Be sure to hand over all veterinary contact information, and let your veterinarian know who will be responsible for your dog or cat while you’re deployed
• Is this person able to reasonably maintain my pet’s daily routines? Discuss its daily schedule – feeding, exercise, play and sleep times – to ensure that your dog or cat can enjoy its customary lifestyle.
• Does this person live in an area that bans my particular breed of dog?

Fostering Your Dog or Cat
If you don’t know someone who can care for your four-legged friend responsibly, consider a professional foster organization.

Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet is a 501(c)(3) charity that operates nationally and relies on a network of volunteer foster homes to match pets with an appropriate caregiver in your state.

Another excellent, nationally-operating not-for-profit is NetPets, which operates a Military Pets Foster Project for a wide range of service members’ pets, including dogs, cats, birds and horses

It's great knowing that if no one can take your pet in that there are foster families available to care for your pooch. Pets for Patriots mentions a lot of organizations to check out.

It won't be easy to temporarily surrender your dog to someone you don't know very well, but these organizations are trained to find individuals who adore pets, your dog included. Stay safe and thanks for serving our country!