PetSmart’s U.S. and Canadian charitable arms together have awarded $100 million since 1994, including $12 million last year, in support of spay and neuter programs.
Phoenix-based PetSmart Charities announced the $100 million milestone Feb. 8.
“A single spay or neuter procedure can prevent a lifetime of unplanned or accidental litters,” said David Haworth, DVM, Ph.D., president of PetSmart Charities. “Dogs can have up to two litters per year, and cats can have even more. So, each surgery has the potential to impact hundreds of lives, improve communities and support the human-animal bond.
“By providing easy access to affordable procedures, local animal welfare organizations are not only investing in their communities, but the welfare of future generations of pets. “
Grants awarded so far in 2018 include:
- $450,000 to Colorado State University, which will partner with the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, to provide veterinary access in rural Alaskan communities and give hands-on training to 30 veterinary students.
- $100,000 to the Animal Foundation in Las Vegas. The money will help build the organization’s new adoption center, a community education wing and an administrative wing.
- $37,000 to Friends of the Animal Shelter in Hancock County, Mississippi, to offer free spay and neuter surgeries for dogs and cats.
- $34,000 to Animal Outreach in London and Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. The organization will partner with East Village Animal Hospitals to reduce the cost of spay and neuter procedures in low-income communities.