Peterborough Humane Society Receives $100,000 Grant From PetSmart Charities® To Improve Accessible Veterinary Care
PETERBOROUGH HUMANE SOCIETY RECEIVES $100,000 GRANT FROM PETSMART CHARITIES® TO IMPROVE ACCESSIBLE VETERINARY CARE
November 18, 2024— PETERBOROUGH, ON – In recent years, the cost of living has risen sharply, causing many pet owners to struggle financially when it comes to paying for their pet’s veterinary bills. The most common answer provided when an animal is surrendered to Peterborough Humane Society is “financial strain”. A recent survey also suggested that over 70% of pet owners who took their pets to the vet felt the cost was too high. As a consequence, more pet parents are choosing to skip routine check-ups because they feel that they cannot afford the cost of veterinary care.
PetSmart Charities has committed $100 million over the next five years toward improving access to veterinary care. The “Accelerator” low-cost veterinary care grant program is a key part of this effort. These grants support the expansion of low-cost veterinary care by funding growth and operations for up to four years for nonprofit clinics looking to expand their services, serve their communities better and inspire other veterinary providers by sharing their experiences.
The grant made to Peterborough Humane Society in the amount of $100,000 will support the expansion of basic animal wellness services offered from the Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic. The anticipated impact on local pets and families includes helping reduce the number of animals surrendered to shelters due to the financial strain of basic veterinary services, servicing community members who do not have a relationship with a veterinarian due to financial reasons.
“This grant from PetSmart Charities will enable Peterborough Humane Society to begin providing even more support to people and pets in Peterborough and the entire Kawartha Region,” says PHS Executive Director Shawn Morey. “As an important part of our 3-year Strategic Plan, helping improve access to care is a real priority and focus for us. This is an important next step in that strategy.”
Overwhelmingly, people consider their pets important members of the family. Pets make a significant impact in the health and wellness of the people they love. This grant will enable more families to get the preventative and standard care that ensures their pets thrive at home and stay out of shelters.
“Our veterinary system is in crisis,” said Kate Atema, director of community grants and initiatives at PetSmart Charities. “Rising costs are putting standard veterinary care out of reach for as much as 50% of pet-owning families. We need innovative solutions that make veterinary care affordable for the families in every community who want the best for their four-legged companions but struggle to meet the cost of vet care. We’re inspired by the incredible work Peterborough Humane Society is doing to create solutions that will build strong families and a healthy community.”
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About Peterborough Humane Society
The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) is a registered charity that advocates for animals by rescuing lost, stray and homeless pets throughout Peterborough County. It is an Open Admission for Life Centre and the largest animal shelter in Peterborough County. All animals in their care receive veterinary care, vaccinations and are microchipped, and spayed/neutered prior to being adopted. PHS does not receive any government or institutional funding for their operations and relies on generous donations from the community.
About PetSmart Charities®
PetSmart Charities is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps up to 600,000 pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. Our grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crisis with access to food, shelter and emergency relief. Each year, millions of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities directly at PetSmartCharities.org, while shopping at PetSmart.com, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart® stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $500 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart LLC, PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the past 18 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of rated charities. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.
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Media Contact:
Kassie Graham, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Peterborough Humane Society
[email protected] | Cell: 705.872.1648
24-Hour PetSmart Charities Media Line: 623-587-2177
