VCA Charities and VCA Animal Hospitals donated nearly $1 million to help those impacted by COVID-19, enabling access to veterinary care and providing resources that helped people and pets stay together. Funds were distributed through multiple initiatives, including donations and grants to nonprofit partners, financial support for non-VCA veterinarians through the American Veterinary Medical Foundation and for our own Associates through the Better Together Fund. VCA also stepped up to help shelter partners and essential workers in the human health field through donations of medical equipment as well as providing free care and boarding for their pets.
In October 2020, VCA Charities launched HOPE Funds, a program that helps with the cost of life-saving veterinary care for pet owners who financially qualify. In partnership with VCA, Helping Overcome Pet Emergencies (HOPE) Funds provides care to pets while providing hope to pet owners.
HOPE Funds assisted the client with the cost of surgery for their beloved dog, Shooter. The pet owner is on food stamps and was incredibly grateful for the financial support and care Shooter received in our hospital. We were happy to have HOPE Funds as an option for our client. It helped with the cost of surgery for their 15-month-old pup and saved his life.
Stella was experiencing dystocia, so her unemployed owners brought her into VCA Big Lake Animal Hospital in Wasilla, AK. With HOPE Funds made available, the hospital team helped to deliver her adorable French bulldog/Australian shepherd puppies.
In Q3 of 2020, nearly $25,000 of grants were distributed through HOPE Funds
With animal hospitals all over the country, we at VCA understand the positive impact of immediate, local help and support for communities in distress. That’s why when the California wildfires of last year forced many to evacuate their homes, VCA Mueller Animal Hospital opened its doors to displaced pets. Using expertise and kennel space, these animals were cared for and kept safe before being returned to their owners.
During the fall of 2020, 271 VCA hospitals worked closely with Hill’s Pet Nutrition to help feed vulnerable shelter pets. Hill’s donated 10 pounds of food with every new subscription to a Hill’s diet, and in just two months over 14,000 pounds of Hill’s Science Diet food was donated to local shelters and rescued animals!
At a time where many were unable to honor sponsorship commitments, VCA knew it was more important than ever to continue initiatives like the Animal Welfare and Shelter program, which offers vital treatment to shelter animals. We also continued our Healthy Start program for newly adopted pets, providing complimentary essentials including exams and follow-up care for infections, disorders and more.
Supported 150,000 pets post-adoption with our Animal Welfare and Shelter program
150+ shelter partners
34,000 Healthy Start certificates
