PetSmart grant to fund local pet medical care partnership
Nearly 50 million pets in the U.S. don’t receive even the most basic veterinary care. Due to costs and other barriers, pets in under-resourced communities often miss out on essential services such as preventative care, vaccinations, spay/neuter services, dental and other medical care.
In the U.S., 70 percent of homes include pets. As research continues to reveal the benefits of the human-animal bond, a movement is underway to connect pet parents to the healthcare their pets need to keep them and their families healthy.
Team members at Delaware Humane Association and Delaware SPCA, two statewide animal welfare organizations with adoption centers in Rehoboth Beach, Wilmington and Stanton/Christiana, recognize the financial strain many pet owners and animal caretakers face.
Organizations like Delaware SPCA and DHA work to prevent animal surrender and overpopulation through services such as low-cost spaying and neutering, offered to the public and for those who adopt directly from the organizations. Sussex County faces a critical need for increased, affordable veterinary care.
With a $188,000 grant from PetSmart Charities, DHA and Delaware SPCA will support pets and pet owners in need of veterinary services by piloting a new program in partnership with the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement.
Over the next two years, DANA will support the newly merged organization, whose name is to be determined, in conducting research with local communities to identify the service delivery methods with the greatest impact and help connect them with potential partners across the county.
Building on DANA’s research support, the organization will pilot a new veterinary clinic in Sussex County offering free and low-cost veterinary services and care, including comprehensive exams, preventative care, vaccinations, diagnostics and spay/neuter surgery.
Delaware Humane Association currently provides recurring low-cost vaccine clinics in Sussex County. This project will build on that foundation, increasing access to veterinary care in the community by removing many of the cost barriers that prevent some pet owners from obtaining needed care for their companion animals.
Patrick Carroll, executive director of DHA and future CEO of the soon-to-be-merged organization, said, “We are excited to launch this collaboration with PetSmart Charities and DANA to deliver critically needed animal care services to underserved communities in Sussex County. From a veterinary care standpoint, Sussex County suffers from a critical deficit of services, including limited 24-hour care and limited appointment availability. And as in many low-income communities, cost of services is also a significant barrier for many families.”
According to the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute, pets make a significant impact in the health and wellness of the people they love. This grant funding will help more families in need receive the veterinary care that ensures pets live long, healthy lives.
“This support goes a long way in helping pet parents gain access to the care they need to keep their pets healthy and at home,” said Kelly Balthazor, senior manager of community grants at PetSmart Charities. “We’re thankful for the important work these animal serving organizations are doing together to meet these critical needs for veterinary care. Ultimately, loving homes with healthy pets help build more thriving communities.”
To learn more, support or get involved, email daniel@delawarehumane.org.
