Outreach program likely to kick off in summer after state loosens pandemic restrictions
One of the most common reasons pets are surrendered to local shelters is the lack of affordable pet wellness, training and education programs. Due to cost and other barriers, pets in under-resourced communities often do not have access to basic veterinary care such as spay/neuter services, vaccinations, dental care and other medical and preventative care.
With a $42,000 grant from PetSmart Charities, Española Humane aims to support pets and pet parents in need of these services by providing spay/neuter and basic veterinary care to 600 owned pets with the help of local partners, shelters and rescue groups. The Wellness Waggin’ program will boost its outreach in the region.
“We know that our community loves their pets,” said Bridget Lindquist, the shelter’s director. “But oftentimes, basic veterinary care remains out of many or our residents’ reach through no fault of their own. This grant will provide subsidized veterinary care that will help keep pets where they belong – with their loving families.”
Since 1994, through its partnership with nearly 4,000 humane societies, SPCAs and pet rescues across North America, PetSmart Charities has helped more than 9 million pets to find loving homes via its in-store adoption program in over 1,650 PetSmart® stores. The leading funder of animal welfare has also donated nearly $400 million, to positively impact communities, to connect people and pets, to help preserve families and to improve access to veterinary care through initiatives like this with Espanola Humane.
With the state’s mandatory COVID restrictions easing as early as June, the shelter hopes to start its outreach program, Pet Amigos, sometime this summer. Check the shelter’s website, espanolahumane.org, for more information about dates and times for veterinary clinics in Española neighborhoods.