Dogs on Deployment Founder Alisa Johnson reunites with her pups on the flight line after being deployed in 2015. The C-130 aircraft pictured in the background is what Johnson flew while in the Marines.
Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, has partnered with Dogs on Deployment in an effort to assist junior-enlisted service members and pet boarders offset the cost of caring for pets during deployment. The national nonprofit organization provides an online network for military members to connect with volunteers who board pets during service commitments. Tractor Supply has donated $75,000 to the organization to support both the boarders and pet owners in caring for essential pet needs.
“When these brave men and women are called away from home, they often need to make accommodations for those they leave behind, including pets.”
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Defense has restricted military travel, delaying the return of many deployed military members. As a result, volunteer boarders are hosting pets for longer than anticipated, increasing the strain on supplies. The crisis has also created a need among healthcare workers and first responders for pet care while working to treat infected patients. With Tractor Supply’s support, Dogs on Deployment is stepping in to help those individuals, as well.
“When these brave men and women are called away from home, they often need to make accommodations for those they leave behind, including pets,” said Christi Korzekwa, Tractor Supply’s Senior Vice President of Marketing. “Dogs on Deployment recognized this need and works tirelessly to relieve that concern for these heroes. We are honored to support their efforts and provide military members, medical professionals and volunteer boarders with the funds and supplies to help care for these animals.”
Through the $75,000 donation from Tractor Supply, Dogs on Deployment will support these individuals with veterinary and moving expenses. Additionally, each quarter, Dogs on Deployment will select pet owners and boarders to receive a $250 gift card to Tractor Supply.
“Thanks to our partnership with Tractor Supply, we will have the ability to continue to provide meaningful financial assistance to our military members, and now first responders, as well,” said Alisa Johnson, Co-Founder of Dogs on Deployment. “We also look forward to helping our service members – and particularly those who are junior-enlisted – find loving foster homes, and recognizing and awarding our many volunteer DoD Boarders with gift cards as a thank you for the care they give our deployed pets.”
Pets and animals, and veterans’ causes are two of Tractor Supply’s main areas of corporate giving. The Company supports other military and animal initiatives through programs and activities including the Farmer Veteran Coalition, donations to local animal shelters, pet adoption events and offering military discounts on select holidays.
If you are interested in signing up to be a volunteer boarder for a military service member, healthcare worker or first responder, please visit DogsOnDeployment.org. To learn more about Tractor Supply and the Company’s community partners, visit TractorSupply.com or follow along on Tractor Supply’s Facebook and Instagram.
About Tractor Supply Company
Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, has been passionate about serving its unique niche, as a one-stop shop for recreational farmers, ranchers and all those who enjoy living the rural lifestyle, for more than 80 years. Tractor Supply offers an extensive mix of products necessary to care for home, land, pets and animals with a focus on product localization, exclusive brands and legendary customer service that addresses the needs of the Out Here lifestyle. With more than 33,000 Team Members, the Company leverages its physical store assets with digital capabilities to offer customers the convenience of purchasing products they need anytime, anywhere and any way they choose at the everyday low prices they deserve. At March 28, 2020, the Company operated 1,863 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website at www.TractorSupply.com.
Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer focused on meeting the needs of pet owners, primarily in small and mid-size communities, and offering a variety of pet products and services. At March 28, 2020, the Company operated 180 Petsense stores in 26 states. For more information on Petsense, visit www.Petsense.com.
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