PetSmart Charities of Canada estimates that millions of pets across the country don’t receive adequate veterinary care. That leads to increased health problems and impossible choices, including surrendering pets to an already crowded shelter system. Many influences have created a serious gap in care that impacts pet parents across many income levels. Since more than 12 million homes include pets, the magnitude of this crisis requires innovative solutions and an all-hands-on deck approach — no single organization can solve the problem alone.
As the leading funder of animal welfare, PetSmart Charities of Canada made a significant commitment—$18 million—to address barriers preventing people from getting veterinary care for their pets. We know it is critical that our dollars support initiatives that reach beyond the initial investment. Our focus prioritizes support for programs and research to deliver lasting change across the industry, including:
Expanding affordable veterinary care
Low-cost veterinary care clinics can help people access care they can afford. PetSmart Charities of Canada grant funding helps existing low-cost clinics expand to serve more pets and their people. These efforts focus on efficiency and cost reductions that benefit pet parents while maintaining sustainable business operations. To date, several have received these grants to help expand their services.
Grant funding to create community-led approaches for Indigenous communities
The distance pet parents must travel directly impacts their ability to access veterinary care for their pets. While this notion is especially true for historically excluded remote Northern communities, where veterinary care could be hours or even days away, distance is a factor for pet parents in provinces, too. Recognizing this goes alongside cultural and financial barriers, , PetSmart Charities of Canada funds organizations that are working to close the gap by partnering with Indigenous communities to find sustainable models that will help more pets receive the care they need.
Exploring non-traditional veterinary care models
Expanding the availability of non-traditional veterinary resources, such as telemedicine, may help pet parents find veterinary care options that work for them, especially when distance is a barrier. To better understand the use and impact of veterinary care through telemedicine, PetSmart Charities of Canada has funded a grant to explore this care method in remote Northern communities.
Increasing available data and research
The first of-its-kind PetSmart Charities of Canada-Gallup State of Pet Care Study findings have shed light on pet parents’ account of their current challenges with the cost and accessibility of veterinary care. Their important perspective will help drive our strategy and programs, and potentially the direction of other partners looking to join us in building solutions. Future plans for a survey of veterinarians will follow to deliver insight from their perspective, too.
Join us and support the cause
Closing the veterinary care gap requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. Individuals, animal welfare groups, the veterinary industry, funders, social services agencies, local government and community leaders can all bring resources, ideas and donations that will make a difference in this complex and pressing issue.
To support PetSmart Charities of Canada’s initiatives, including making veterinary care more accessible and affordable for the millions of pets going without, donate here.
Together, we can ensure the pets who add so much to our well-being receive the veterinary care they need to thrive.
