Animal Friends’ Commitment to Pet Retention
By Liz Moser, Community Resource Coordinator
At Animal Friends, we have always recognized that the amount of love a family has for their pets is not defined by their income. In times of financial hardship, families may need support to prevent them from having to face the heartbreaking decision of surrendering their beloved pets due to a lack of resources.
Surrender, abandonment and neglect all put a strain on organizations like Animal Friends, and negatively impact quality of life for pets and the people who love them. For this reason alone, it is important that we prevent this unnecessary suffering with resources and intervention whenever possible. But, the impact of pet retention programming also stretches beyond this practical goal. At Animal Friends, we believe that keeping pets and people together whenever possible keeps families and communities happier and healthier and reflects our compassion for animals and their humans. So, we have identified pet retention programming as one of our core priorities and are more committed than ever to keep pets in their loving homes.
For years, Animal Friends has provided support for pet owners struggling with financial challenges. Through programs like low-cost spay and neuter, vaccine clinics and our Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank, we have provided thousands of families with compassionate and non-judgmental care. As our work has shown, the importance of supporting financially struggling pet owners and the countless families who needed a helping hand through the COVID-19 pandemic, these programs have grown to help meet the needs in our community.
As we continue to grow our pet retention programming and expand our reach directly into the communities that need us most, we are truly thinking outside the cage to save even more lives and improve the well-being of animals and humans in the community.
If you or someone you know needs assistance with pet food, please contact Alex at AStelitano@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org or 412.536.3898. For more information on our low-cost veterinary resources please visit ThinkingOutisdeTheCage.org/Clinic.
Support our Pet Retention program at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/DonateNow.