Emergency Assistance Program Yields Early Success
Pets In Need last month announced the establishment of a temporary emergency assistance program for local pet owners financially hurt by the coronavirus pandemic.
To date, we have granted more than $26,000 in emergency assistance to Bay Area pet owners ranging from basic necessities, such as pet food, litter, or medication, to more serious medical treatments.
The goal of the program is to keep animals in homes and help offset the costs of pet ownership at a time when many people are losing jobs or not being paid.
Carly Hills’ cat September Rain began experiencing strange symptoms shortly after Hills lost her job due to the pandemic. September Rain developed an itch all over her body and an uncomfortable sore that caused her to drool.
With support from Pets In Need, Hills was able to get September to the vet for a check-up and medication to treat her symptoms.
“September’s health is much better,” Hills said. “I am so grateful to Pets In Need for supporting me and other pet owners during this difficult time. It’s comforting to know that there is a community of people who care about us and want to make sure our pets are safe and healthy.”
A generous grant of $25,000 from a local foundation is making it possible for Pets In Need to help even more families in need. If you would like to support our COVID-19 Emergency Fund please donate here.
Pets In Need is also partnering with several local groups, including the Ecumenical Hunger Program and Downtown Streets Team, to distribute pet food and supplies to low-income people with pets at home.
Finally, we continue to save large-breed dogs through our Cause for Big Paws program, by providing vaccines to our partner shelters in the Central Valley and underwriting the cost to have them spayed or neutered.
Applications for the temporary emergency assistance program are being accepted at www.petsinneed.org/assistance.
Check out recent news coverage of the program:
Pets In Need community offers aid during pandemic, Los Altos Town Crier
With everyone sheltering at home, volunteers step up to foster animals, Palo Alto Weekly
