Supplies and support for VetPets of Southwest Pennsylvania.
An estimated 22 veterans die by suicide every day in the United States. VetPets of SWPA fights back with the power of the human-animal bond — pairing service and emotional-support dogs with veterans and first responders. We're raising $2,500 in supplies and funds by September 30, 2026 to help them keep going.
Operation Paws & Honor is a supply-collection and fundraising campaign benefiting VetPets of Southwest Pennsylvania, a veteran-operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The project runs from mid-May through September 30, 2026, and is led by 12–15 volunteers across six workstreams. Every dollar and every supply collected goes directly to the dogs and people VetPets serves.
VetPets is a family-owned, veteran-operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Omar Brooks in Washington, PA. Their mission is to use the power of the human-animal bond to empower veterans and first responders to reclaim their mental and emotional well-being. Through animal-assisted activities and community partnerships, VetPets provides veterans and first responders with the tools, support, and sense of purpose needed to thrive after service.
Who they serve: U.S. military veterans (all branches), active-duty service members, first responders (police, fire, EMS), and families of veterans in crisis.
Counseling combined with 4- or 6-week free certified dog training for every qualifying veteran or first responder.
Grants to help veterans adopt service and emotional-support dogs. Each team costs ~$10,000 to establish.
Community outreach, yoga, meditation, outdoor excursions, and peer-led support groups built around the bond.
VetPets' signature suicide-prevention fundraiser. The 2025 event raised over $40,000 for ongoing programming.
501(c)(3) · EIN 85-4223366
615 E Beau Street, Washington, PA 15301
pavetpets.org
Whether you can spare $5 or a few minutes to share a post, every contribution moves us closer to $2,500. Pick the channel that works best for you.
Pick your favorite payment app. Funds collected here are passed along to VetPets of Southwest PA.
Buy the supplies VetPets needs most — training treats, leashes, food, kennel items — shipped straight to HQ.
Open Wish ListBring donations to one of our in-person events or arrange a drop-off in the Washington, PA area.
See EventsFollow us on Facebook and Instagram, then reshare a post — visibility is the biggest lift you can give.
Tax-deductible donations are made through VetPets of Southwest Pennsylvania, a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 85-4223366). Operation Paws & Honor does not directly receive funds.
Operation Paws & Honor will have donation tables and supply bins at the following community events. Come say hi to Patrick, drop off supplies, or donate on the spot.
An afternoon at Kirich's / Interstate Golf benefiting VetPets. Operation Paws & Honor will be on-site for donations and supply drop-off.
Six-week puppy manners course at VetPets HQ. We'll have a donation table set up for the kickoff weekend.
Pet-friendly night at the Washington Wild Things ballpark. Operation Paws & Honor will be at the VetPets table with donation bins and merch.
Benefiting the Crisis Response Therapy Dog Program. Operation Paws & Honor will be on-site for donations and supply drop-off.
More events will be added as they're confirmed. Check back, or follow us on Facebook for updates.
Patrick is a Life Scout with Troop 1005 in Washington, PA. A Scout since 2016, he earned his Arrow of Light from Pack 1305 in Canonsburg in 2020 and has held leadership roles including Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, Den Chief, and Order of the Arrow Representative. He's an active Order of the Arrow Brotherhood member and often serves on the ceremonies team for new-member inductions.
Outside Scouting, Patrick is Vice President of the eSports Club, a member of Spanish Club and GSA, and captain of the Canon-Mac eSports team — which he helped lead to the 2025 Division 2 championship. His favorite Scouting memory is the 2025 Troop trip to Gettysburg.
"I have personally seen the effects on our veterans who have bravely served our country and wanted to find a way to combine my desire to help these men and women with my passion for canine companions. Thank you so much for any assistance you can offer to those who have served."
