AHS Receives $200,000 Grant from PetSmart Charities®

PHOENIX (May 15, 2023) – The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) is honored to announce it will receive a $200,000 Accelerator Grant from PetSmart Charities® to help improve accessible veterinary care for owned pets in our community. This grant will support the expansion of AHS’ Marge Wright Veterinary Clinic at its Sunnyslope Campus into a full service clinic over the next year.

Currently, AHS provides more than 10,400 owned pets with spay/neuter, vaccination and microchip services at this clinic location each year and expects approximately 3,000 more pets will be helped annually through its expanded services. The grant will allow AHS to make critical capital improvements including expanded equipment and technology, staffing, medications and supplies, as well as increased outreach initiatives.

“The Arizona Humane Society works to support both pets and people through a number of programs and services including our low-cost veterinary clinics,” said AHS Vice President of Medical Operations, Dr. Melissa Thompson. “We are so grateful to PetSmart Charities for this generous grant, allowing us to not only provide vital services for more pets and their families but also to help keep pets in their loving homes and out of already overcrowded shelters.”

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.

“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 the Arizona Humane Society is doing to create solutions that will build strong families and a healthy community.”

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.

Overwhelmingly, people consider their pets important members of the family. Pets make a significant impact in the health and wellness of the people they love. This grant will enable more families to get the preventative and standard care that ensures their pets thrive at home and stay out of shelters.