A better life for pets
It’s a staggering number – 50 million beloved pets across the country don’t receive veterinary care.
At PetSmart Charities® we believe all pets deserve to live long, happy lives in the arms of those who love them. Sadly, the lack of accessible and affordable veterinary care risks the bond between pets and their families. According to a report from the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition, one in four pet owners experience barriers to obtaining veterinary care. The primary obstacle for pet owners seeking care is finances. But financial barriers are only one obstacle; transport, language, and location also pose a challenge for pet owners seeking veterinary assistance for their pets.
We see that it is a complex problem, but our commitment is simple – to help keep pets with the people who love them, regardless of their situation. That’s why we are providing grants to partner organizations to help address the immediate problem while creating long-term, sustainable solutions that will help keep pets with their families. Organizations like Emancipet, who are helping to expand access to veterinary care for pet parents and communities who need it most.
"More American households now include more pets than young children, and pets are almost universally considered part of the family," said Emancipet CEO Amy Mills. "Every family member deserves quality health care, and we are honored to have this opportunity to expand our reach and provide quality, affordable care to more families," she added.
Pet parents want to do what is right and best for their pet and take care of their needs, but unfortunately, various hardships can sometimes interfere with a family’s ability to provide for their pet. These types of partnerships will help ensure pet parents can provide their pets with the critical and preventative care needed to live long, healthy and happy lives, regardless of their financial circumstance.
A better world for all
More than 70 percent of homes in the U.S. now include a pet to love. Giving a pet a good life enriches our own.
"When pet parents — especially seniors — can no longer afford to care for their pets, they often have no choice but to give up their beloved family members. Investing in this critical partnership with Emancipet leverages their expertise and delivers affordable care that will help keep pet families together in the community they serve. The benefits of caring for pets shouldn't belong exclusively to the privileged," explains Aimee Gilbreath, PetSmart Charities President.
Together, we're changing lives.
Under current models, it would cost an estimated $23 billion annually to provide affordable care to pets not receiving any care. No one organization can solve this complex problem alone.
The veterinary care system needs an overhaul.
That's why, thanks to the generosity of our donors, we've committed $15 million this year alone to support programs that bring affordable and convenient veterinary care to communities across the country. Through our support, we're also developing community-based leaders to transform how, where and by whom veterinary care is delivered. Over time, new ecosystems will emerge that provide an updated veterinary care system – one that is more accessible for diverse populations.
