The “Pets for Vets” nonprofit group is asking the City of Jersey City to stop using their name to promote a new program that was announced earlier this month.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“We have observed that you are using, or have used, the term “PETS FOR VETS”. We applaud your efforts to find ways to unite our Veterans with animals and enrich the lives and well-being of our service members. We at Pets for Vets believe these sorts of efforts are truly one of the best ways that we can say thank you to our country’s Veterans for their service and dedication,” Hannah Bennett wrote in a letter to the city today.
“We are writing you today, however, because you may not be aware that the term ‘PETS FOR VETS’ is a federally registered trademark that refers specifically to our organization, Pets for Vets, Inc., as the source of the animal adoption or related services being provided under the ‘PETS FOR VETS’ name. We have seen a number of organizations mistakenly use our trademark for animal adoption services, promotions and programs, particularly around Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Pets for Veterans Day, which we established, but also at other times throughout the year.”
She says that while they would not want to discourage the implementation of the program, they “insist” that the city no longer uses the “Pets for Vets” name, which city spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione says the city will honor.
“Clearly, this is something the organization encounters often, and we responded to thank them for bringing this to our attention and to advise that we will rename our local program to ensure Jersey City veterans can continue to adopt animals from our shelter,” she said in response to the letter.
On May 1st, the city announced two new programs: Pets for Vets and Veterans in Total Active Lifestyle (VITAL).
Both will be run by the Department of Health and Human Services, with Pets for Vets run in conjunction with the Jersey City Policemen’s Benevolent Association (POBA).
“Pets for Vets is not just about connecting veterans with furry companions; it’s about honoring the selfless service of our veterans and healing invisible wounds with unconditional love and restoring purpose, one paw at a time,” Jersey City POBA Executive Board Member Letia Nalls said at the time, identified as someone who would lead the project.
