LEWISTON, ME (JULY 26, 2022) – Nearly 50 million pets in the U.S. cannot access even the most basic veterinary care. Due to cost and other barriers, pets in under-resourced communities often do not receive essential services such as preventative care, vaccinations, spay/neuter services, dental and other medical care. In the U.S., 70 percent of homes include pets. As research continues to reveal the benefits of the human-animal bond, a movement is underway to connect pet parents to the health care their pets need to keep them and their families healthy. With a $110,000 grant from PetSmart Charities, Greater Androscoggin Humane Society (GAHS) will support pets and pet parents in need of these veterinary services by expanding affordable basic wellness services. These include vaccinations, sterilization surgery, and other medical needs that will help pets stay in homes where they are loved. Pets like Tigga the cat —he was brought in with a urinary blockage for which his family was not able to afford treatment. The team at GAHS was able to successfully remove the blockage and get this handsome boy back on his feet and feeling better. Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common, with seven other urinary blockages in cats alone since February of this year.

“Every day, we hear from community members who are struggling to provide veterinary care to their dog or cat. We are dedicated to improving access to basic wellness care to help pets and people in need,” said Katie Lisnik, GAHS Executive Director. “We are so thankful for the support of PetSmart Charities, which will help us grow our program through equipment and facility improvements.”

According to the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute, pets make a significant impact in the health and wellness of the people they love. This grant funding will help more families in need receive the veterinary care that ensures pets live long, healthy lives.

“Pets are important members of the family,” said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities. “We know 40 percent of low-income pet parents cite a lack of access to veterinary care as a top reason for surrendering their pets. And that’s an impossible choice to have to make. We’re proud to support the meaningful progress being made by the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society to keep pets and people together.”

Visit savingpetsinmaine.org to learn more about our veterinary services, adoptions, volunteering, fostering and so much more!