FLORIDA KEYS SPCA TO ADDRESS LACK OF AFFORDABLE VETERINARY CARE FROM KEY WEST TO MARATHON WITH $50,000 GRANT FROM PETSMART CHARITIES®

February 27, 2022— Key West, FL – 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 $50,000 grant from PetSmart Charities, the Florida Keys SPCA will support pets and pet parents in need of these veterinary services by providing affordable spay and neuter surgeries through travel veterinarians to the residents of the Middle and Lower Keys. Nearly 300 pets will be impacted by this grant, helping to reduce overpopulation of unwanted animals and the number of those animals that enter our shelters. 

“Providing an affordable option for spay/neuter is a large part of the mission of the Florida Keys SPCA,” said Tammy Fox, Executive Director of the Florida Keys SPCA. “Helping to educate families on why altering animals is vital to our community, assisting in strengthening the human/animal bond by keeping animals with their families and controlling overpopulation in the Middle and Lower Keys is our responsibility, and we want to make sure all pet owners have a low-cost alternative.” 

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 integral members of families,” said Kelly Balthazor, Senior Community Grants Manager at PetSmart Charities.  “It’s our mission to make lives better for pets, and that includes supporting local connections to affordable veterinary care. The benefits of parenting pets shouldn’t belong exclusively to those with privilege. IF we can alleviate some financial burden, it’s another step in keeping pets and people together.”

To learn more about our services we provide go to https://fkspca.org/what-we-do/clinic-services/ or contact our Clinic Team directly at [email protected].

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