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One of the most common reasons pets are surrendered to local shelters is the lack of affordable pet wellness, training and education programs, the Doña Ana County Humane Society (DACHS) said in a news release. 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 $50,000 grant from PetSmart Charities, DACHS aims to support pets and pet parents in need by providing veterinary care voucher assistance through its Animal Relief Fund program, the news release said. The grant will provide assistance for approximately 200 pets in Doña Ana County through Animal Relief Fund program vouchers.
DACHS financially qualifies pet owners for the program by using U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) income guidelines. If pet owners qualify, they receive vouchers for veterinary treatment, vaccinations and long-term prescription medications for their pets.
“Having the life-changing experience of owning a pet should be available to everyone, regardless of financial status,” said DACHS Executive Director April Anaya. “The assistance the PetSmart Charities grant allows pets to remain in loving homes and gives pet owners access to veterinary care that can change and sometimes even save their pets’ lives.”
“We know that 50 million pets across the country lack access to affordable veterinary care,” said PetSmart Charities Senior Community Grants Manager Kelly Balthazor. “Together with partners such as DACHS, we’re creating innovative, sustainable solutions. Giving pets better lives also improves wellness for pet parents and families, too.”
DACHS was founded in 1955. Through its Animal Relief Fund, Ruff to Ready dog training program and Pets for Seniors pet adoption program, DACHS “strives to keep people and pets together.”
PetSmart Charities has given out grants totaling more than $500 million since the nonprofit was founded in 1994.
For more information, contact DACHS at 575-647-4808 and dachslc@gmail.com. Visit www.dachslc.org/animal-relief-fund. Follow DACHS on Facebook and Instagram @ DonaAnaCountyHumaneSociety.
