Dakin Receives $150,000 Grant from PetSmart Charities® to Improve Accessible Veterinary Care

Fifty million pets in the U.S. experience a lack of access to even basic veterinary care. Rising costs and other barriers mean these pets struggle to access services such as spay/neuter procedures, vaccinations and critical medical and preventative care. With as many as 70% of households now including pets, this issue affects families in nearly every community.

PetSmart Charities has committed $100 million over the next five years toward improving access to veterinary care. The “Accelerator” low-cost veterinary care grant program is a key part of this effort.  These grants support the expansion of low-cost veterinary care by funding growth and operations for up to four years for nonprofit clinics looking to expand their services, serve their communities better and inspire other veterinary providers by sharing their experiences.

The grant made to Dakin Humane Society in the amount of $150,000 for year one will support the expansion of The Pet Health Center, which provides access to quality, compassionate veterinary medical care for pet cats and dogs in our community.

During Phase One, the funding will support operations as well as capital improvement costs along with staffing and consultants as needed to support the business analysis and preparation for expansion. Dakin will also participate in a cohort to learn from other accessible veterinary clinics supported by PetSmart Charities.

“Dakin is thrilled to have been selected as an Accelerator grant recipient. This generous funding from PetSmart Charities will allow us to sustain and expand services offered to pet owners in our community who have struggled to access veterinary care in the past,” said Meg Talbert, Executive Director at Dakin. “The Pet Health Center has been a wonderful addition at Dakin and is strategically aligned with our mission to deliver effective, innovative services that improve the lives of animals in need and the people who care about them. Our goal is to ensure that services that support the human-animal bond are accessible to all.”

As animal lovers, we know how important pets are to us and our families, and the joy and wellness they bring to those who love them. This grant will enable more families to seek the preventative and standard care their pets need at our Pet Health Center to thrive at home and stay out of shelters.

“Our veterinary system is in crisis,” said Kate Atema, director of community grants and initiatives at PetSmart Charities.  “Rising costs are putting standard veterinary care out of reach for as much as 50% of pet-owning families. We need innovative solutions that make veterinary care affordable for the families in every community who want the best for their four-legged companions but struggle to meet the cost of vet care. We’re inspired by the incredible work Dakin Humane Society is doing to create solutions that will build strong families and a healthy community.”

“The Pet Health Center has been embraced by our clients who trust us to provide care to their beloved pets and regularly recommend our services to friends and family,” said Jack Muth, DVM, PhD, Public Medical & Education Director at Dakin. “We are excited for this next chapter in our program’s growth and grateful for the support of the PetSmart Charities. This grant will increase our capacity and help us to reduce barriers to veterinary care in our community.”