Delaware Animal Organizations Awarded Grant From PetSmart Charities

Press release from Delaware Humane Association:

April 13, 2022

Nearly 50 million pets in the U.S. cannot access even the most basic veterinary care. Due to cost and other barriers, pets in under-resourced communities often do not receive 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 health care their pets need to keep them and their families healthy.

Delaware Humane Association (DHA) and Delaware SPCA, two statewide animal welfare organizations with adoption centers in Wilmington, Rehoboth Beach, 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 spay and neuter services, open both to the public and for those who adopt directly from their organizations. In Sussex County, there is 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 DANA, the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement. Over the next two years, DANA will support the newly merged organization (name to be determined) in conducting research with local communities to identify the most impactful service delivery methods 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.

DHA 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, states, “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.” Carroll continues, “From a veterinary care standpoint, Sussex County suffers from a critical deficit of services, including limited 24-hour care and limited appointment availability in the county. 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.”

For those who are interested in learning more, supporting, or getting involved with this exciting initiative, please reach out to daniel@delawarehumane.org.

This press release was produced by Delaware Humane Association. The views expressed here are the author's own.