WELFARE - PetSmart Charities Increases Grant Opportunities

PetSmart Charities, the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, has an expanded mission and more grant opportunities for animal organizations.

Historically their grants have supported their mission to end pet homelessness, but they have expanded their scope to also include connecting pets with people.

The result is ten different grant categories under the organization’s four strategic areas of focus.

Preventing Pet Homelessness

To help decrease the number of pets entering shelters, PetSmart Charities now offers three grant categories to support programs and initiatives that proactively prevent pet homelessness and mitigate pet homelessness during family transitions.

• Spay/neuter: Preventing unplanned litters through targeted spay/neuter programs and clinic development, free or low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, trap-neuter-return (TNR) efforts, as well as veterinary school initiatives.
• Intake diversion: Keeping pets from entering shelters by making wellness clinics, as well as behavioral training and education more accessible.
• Keeping pets and families together: Creating resources for families that are or may experience domestic violence, homelessness and/or Military leave and can no longer accommodate their pet.

Helping Shelter Pets Thrive

Many adoptable pets never find homes, facing euthanasia due to lack of capacity. By supporting organizations that provide resources, build capacity to care for homeless pets and focus on adoption, PetSmart Charities expects to enhance pets’ lives in shelters and help them find their forever homes.

• Shelter management: Supporting best practices in areas such as mentoring, disease control and strengthening shelter infrastructure.
• Pet transport: Supporting organizations that relocate adoptable pets to areas where the demand for pet adoption is high so they will have the best chance possible at finding their forever family.
• Conferences and training: Funding enrichment programs and workshops for those working for and volunteering within the animal welfare industry.

Supporting the Bond between People and Pets

While there are many tales of how people save pets’ lives through adoption, there are also inspiring stories of how pets can save people. By supporting organizations that bring people and pets together to leverage the power of pets to enhance the human spirit, PetSmart Charities ultimately aims to end pet homelessness and drive awareness of the benefits of pet ownership.

• Adoptions: Partnering with local animal welfare organizations to connect people with adoptable pets everyday at PetSmart stores or and at PetSmart Charities’ signature events, including National Adoption Weekends which are held four times a year.
• Capacity building: Assisting with the construction, rebuilding or remodeling of animal welfare organization facilities that fulfill the needs of homeless pets.
• Enhancing the quality of life through pets: Supporting programs that train pets to become service animals for military veterans or people with disabilities and for pet therapy programs in hospitals, schools, senior homes or with at-risk populations.

Providing Emergency Relief

In the event of a weather crisis and natural disaster, such as the Fort McMurray fires in Alberta, Louisiana Flooding, and Hurricane Matthew, the role of local animal organizations has been critical to providing immediate support in times of crisis. Temporary shelter, pet supplies and medical care are just some of the immediate needs of misplaced or abandoned pets.

• Emergency relief and disaster response: Providing assistance in the event of a natural or man-made disaster during the rescue, relief and/or recovery stages.

Four grant categories are currently open for applications - Adoptions, Spay/Neuter,  Emergency Relief, and Conferences and Training.

The remaining grant cycles will be announced in February 2017.

Applicants must provide documentation verifying status as a 501(c)(3) organization for the US or registered charity in Canada.

WELFARE - PetSmart Charities Assisting Animals After Hurricane Matthew

More than $100,000 in in-kind supplies and emergency relief funds has been donated by PetSmart Charities to six animal welfare organizations to help local pets in need following Hurricane Matthew.

(PetSmart Charities)

Through a dedicated hurricane response effort, the organization continues to work with nonprofit organizations in severely impacted communities in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Before the storm hit land, PetSmart Charities dispatched an Emergency Relief Waggin’ filled with pet supplies donated by PetSmart’s central region Distribution Center in Ohio to Gainesville, Florida.

Food, cat litter, dog bowls and wired crates were among pet supplies sent to the region to help with displaced pets.

The Humane Society of the United States has also been on the ground in South Carolina providing disaster relief services in the wake of the hurricane.

Their Animal Rescue Team has saved and transported animals to supporting emergency placement partners for shelter.

“The role of animal welfare organizations in and around impacted communities is crucial before, during and after a natural disaster or weather crisis like Hurricane Matthew,” said David Haworth, D.V.M., Ph.D., president of PetSmart Charities.

As local residents sort through the aftermath of the storm, PetSmart Charities anticipates an increased need for pet supplies and medical examinations for displaced pets, as well as repairs for shelters that may have experienced flooding and damage.

The organization has emergency relief and disaster response grants available to help.

To apply for an emergency relief grant from PetSmart Charities to help local pets in need before, during or after a natural disaster, please visit PetSmartCharities.org/pro.

Toronto Animal Services Rolls Out Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic

Toronto Animal Services’ SNYP (Spay/Neuter Your Pet) Mobile Clinic is officially hitting the road tomorrow.

It will travel to neighbourhood improvement areas throughout the city to provide spay and neuter services for dogs and cats. Residents with an income of less than $50,000 will qualify for subsidized or waived fees.

Over 12 metres long and outfitted like a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic, the truck was purchased thanks to a $250,000 grant from PetSmart Charities and additional donations from Toronto residents.

Toronto will be the first city in Canada to employ a mobile spay and neuter clinic.

The hope is the truck will remove financial and geographical barriers that prevent people from altering their animals.

"We want to target those people in Toronto who otherwise do not have access to a veterinarian," Mary Lou Leiher, the manager of partnerships and marketing at Toronto Animal Services told CBC.

The SNYP Truck will be unveiled on Wednesday May 11th at Nathan Phillips Square from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a live band and food trucks.

More information and the schedule for the SNYP Mobile Clinic is available here.

PetSmart Charities Names President to Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of PetSmart Charities® announced that it has appointed Dr. David Haworth, DVM, Ph.D., as its new President.

Dr. Haworth has more than 15 years of experience in the animal health industry.

Steve Marton, Chairman of PetSmart Charities’ Board of Directors, said in the release, “David has extensive medical, philanthropic and business experience in the animal welfare field, making him uniquely qualified to lead PetSmart Charities in its next phase of growth. He has a true passion for our mission to end pet homelessness and support pet families. We are confident that David will help PetSmart Charities become a stronger, more effective and efficient organization.”

Haworth joins PetSmart Charities from the Morris Animal Foundation in Denver, Colorado, where he most recently served as the President and CEO. He has been Chair of the Human-Animal Bond Research Initiative’s (HABRI) Research Working Group since 2010, and will continue in that role.

“I am excited to join this important organization, with its strong purpose and a committed group of associates. PetSmart Charities is an industry leader in pet philanthropy, and I look forward to working closely with the team, as well as its network of animal welfare organizations and not-for-profit partners, to execute PetSmart Charities’ reinvigorated strategy and build upon its significant success to date,” Haworth said.

Previously, Dr. Haworth spent eleven years with Pfizer’s Animal Health business. He earned his veterinary degree as well as a Ph.D. in reproductive physiology from Colorado State University and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Animal Cancer Center.

PetSmart Restructuring Continues with Massive Layoff at PetSmart Charity

Phoenix-based PetSmart Charities Inc. is laying off its entire workforce!
According to company insiders this will be the end of PetSmart Charities as known but not the end of funding for animal welfare.

According to Michelle Friedman, Director of Communications, PetSmart Charities has provided more than $165 million in grants and programs benefiting animal welfare organizations. Reading from a prepared statement she indicated, "As the largest funder of animal welfare in North America, we believe these decisions will allow us to save the lives of even more pets and enrich more people’s lives through the power of pets". 

In November 2014, when the auction for PetSmart was identified as potentially the 'leveraged buyout of 2014', InfoStream wondered aloud how the company and charity would be affected:

PetSmart is one of the largest providers of funds for humane and animal welfare activities. Will new owners continue this investment, will they be satisfied with the return on investment for the brand (goodwill) or will they turn their attention to paying shareholders and recovering the investment? Only history will illuminate the Urban Animal landscape that is now evolving.

InfoStream reported on the sale of PetSmart to BC Partners late last year. Industry analysts watching the company didn't have long to wait before a new management team began to make big changes. In July, InfoStream reported a 15% layoff at head office. More recently several InfoStream articles touched on a possible merger of PetSmart and Petco as well as roadblocks the deal encountered. 

PetSmart Charities was one of the founders of the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in 2006 but declined funding involvement during the last two years. 

Read Phoenix Business Journal

PetSmart Charities Supports BC Feline Population Management

The BC SPCA recently received a grant of $84,000 CDN from PetSmart Charities™ of Canada to help reduce cat overpopulation in Cranbrook, British Columbia. The money will allow 950 stray and privately owned cats to be spayed or neutered. Cranbrook has a large population of outdoor cats that are currently capable of reproducing. BC SPCA East Kootenay Branch Manager, Brenna Baker said, “This grant from PetSmart Charities™ of Canada is fantastic news for Cranbrook! We have a constant intake of cats into our shelter. There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t have a waiting list of cats to get into the shelter, looking for loving, forever homes.”

British Columbia has significant concerns about their cat overpopulation. Tens of thousands of cats are fending for themselves and they may suffer from illness, injury, starvation, and predator attacks. Cranbrook is one of the communities affected by large numbers of intact outdoor cats. Baker said, “One female cat and her offspring can produce more than 200 kittens within one year. The grant allows us to move forward and make a big difference in the region. It takes the whole community to tackle such a large issue, and we couldn’t do it alone.” Cranbrook is also receiving support from Steeples Veterinary Clinic, Tanglefoot Vet, Kootenay Vet Clinic, Cranbrook Veterinary Hospital, and B-104 Total Country radio station and the City of Cranbrook.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

OSPCA Unleashes Mobile Spay/Neuter Unit in Test Trial

Kate MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario SPCA, has announced that the Welland SPCA will be running a test clinic with a new mobile spay and neuter unit. The mobile unit is a fully-equipped portable veterinary hospital. The test clinic will be run at Six Nations in Southern Ontario and is currently limited to neuters. Within the first two days the mobile unit has 50 appointments scheduled and expects some walk-ins as well.

Once the test in Six Nations is finished the OSPCA plans to take the mobile unit across Ontario and provide spay and neuter services to the animals in First Nations Communities. The mobile unit will have 4 veterinarians, 6 veterinary technicians, and 12-16 volunteers. The mobile unit is partially funded by a grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada.

Nova Scotia SPCA Opens Veterinary Hospital in Cape Breton

In 2014, the Nova Scotia SPCA received a one-time grant of $181,000 from Pet Smart Charities to go towards the construction and equipment costs to open a Spay/Neuter hospital at the Cape Breton Branch of the Society.   

Earlier this month, the hospital opened and performed its first surgery. The opening of this hospital can only be described as a “game changer” for stray and abandoned animals and feral cats on the island of Cape Breton with the hope of tackling a large pet overpopulation crisis that has existed for decades. 

For the first time in the history of the Cape Breton Branch, all animals in their care will be spayed and neutered prior to adoption. This hospital will allow the shelter to reduce costs associated with veterinary care and will provide a full complement of services so that all medical procedures required by SPCA Shelter animals will be completed prior to adoption so there is no cost passed on to the new owner.

READ THE NEWS RELEASE

PetSmart Deadline for Binding Offers Set for 03 December 2014

Analysts betting PetSmart will be the leveraged buyout of 2014.

The New York Post carries a story this morning that suggests financing for a PetSmart deal is available. They report banks are tripping over each other to supply the money for a deal. They also report a takeout price that could be as high as $8.45 billion or $82.45 per share.

So, why is PetSmart for sale? Back in August a shareholder activist, Jana Partners, disclosed it had accumulated a 10 percent stake in the retailer and indicated it would push for a sale. Activists look for companies with unrealized value and then take a position that allows them to influence or unlock the value they perceive.

Private equity firms Apollo Global Management, BC Partners, the Carlyle Group, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice and KKR made first rounds bids last month and are presently deciding whether to make binding offers before a Dec. 3 deadline.

The industry is watching this situation closely. The continuing evolution of the Urban Animal industry in the past twelve months has witnessed brands changing hands, aggregation/consolidations at all levels of the value chain, business failures and a significant number of bolt on acquisitions designed to overcome the disruption of social media on client relationships or to shore up the online business model.

PetSmart is one of the largest providers of funds for humane and animal welfare activities. Will new owners continue this investment, will they be satisfied with the return on investment for the brand (goodwill) or will they turn their attention to paying shareholders and recovering the investment? Only history will illuminate the Urban Animal landscape that is now evolving.

To purchase or adopt - that is the question

A new study from PetSmart Charities found that more than two-thirds of Americans surveyed said they would rather adopt a pet than buy one from a pet store or breeder. 

Nearly 3,000 people participated in the 2014 U.S. Shelter Pet Report. A large number of those surveyed (81%) said they own a dog and/or cat, a large increase from 63% three years ago. 

READ MORE: MOST PET PARENTS NOW CHOOSE TO ADOPT BUT MORE LOCAL ACTION IS NEEDED TO END PET HOMELESSNESS 

The study also found that while a growing number of people say they care about pet homelessness, more than half still don't provide any support for solving the issue. 

"Unlike other causes, we are not hampered by a lack of cure or technology," said Jan Wilkins, PetSmart Charities executive director. "If all of the pet lovers in the United States simply took action in their communities today, our grandchildren would not have to live in a world where thousands of healthy pets are euthanized daily." 

Survey highlights: 

• Pet homelessness is an important cause. Forty-six per cent of people surveyed view the het homelessness problem as very important. The number of people who say they donated their time or money to help pets increased by 11%.
• Pet owners underestimate the problem. Most people (85%) underestimate the number of pets who are euthanized annually in the U.S. An estimated four million pets every year are euthanized because there are not enough homes.
• Misperceptions about shelter pets still exist. The study found that among new pet owners, the main barrier to adoption was that people said shelters did not have the type of pet they wanted (36%). 
• Spay/neuter rates have increased. Survey responses suggest that 86% of pets have been fixed, compared to 79% in 2011 and 80% in 2009.
• Cost is a barrier to spay/neuter. Fewer than half of pet parents knew that low-cost spay/neuter options were available. That's a problem because 30% of people whose pets were unaltered said they chose not to spay/neuter because it was too expensive. 

READ MORE: ADOPT OR PURCHASE A PET?

Supporting Community Cats - Free webinars

PetSmart Charities and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has announced its February sessions of the Supporting Community Cats series.  This eight-month webinar series, which began in January, is aimed at helping start a colony-level TNR program, conduct TNR at the community level or take current programs to a new level. 

The HSUS and PetSmart Charities are focused on providing interested individuals and organizations with proper training and management of the cats in their communities. Each month will have three tracks: Colony Level; Community Level; and Hot Topics. 

Next month's free webinars include: Have a Plan! An Overview of the TNR Process; Targeted TNR - Making the Most of Your Resources; and Creating Wining Nonprofit and Municipal Partnerships. 

CLICK HERE for more information. 

PetSmart Charities grants provide high-quality spay/neuter surgeries

PetSmart Charities is launching a public awareness campaign and grant program that will provide more than $520,000 to fund affordable, high-quality spay and neuter surgeries for 10,000 puppies and kittens in 25 U.S. states. 

From June 1-30, the grants will support 51 non-profit spay/neuter clinics to provide $20 surgeries for cats and dogs under six months. PetSmart Charities will also provide clinics with marketing materials and funding to advertise and promote the campaigns in their communities. 

READ THE NEWS RELEASE

Summit - Product or Service Innovation award

Innovation is the key to success. In the companion animal industry, this rings especially true as we strive towards a safer, healthier and happier existence for pets and pet families. 

Sponsored by Petsmart Charities of Canada, the Product or Service Innovation award recognizes excellence in a product, service or program that improves the overall health, wellness and/or quality of life of animals in pet families, a particular client base, a community or any industry sector(s). 

NOMINATION FORM

At the 2011 International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies (ISUAS), Dr. Judith Samson and Animal Rescue Foundation, AB received this distinguished award. After reviewing the scientific literature, Samson started a pilot project involving the reserve dogs in Alberta; a contraceptive implant is used as a quick, non-surgical, cost-effective way to control the feral dog population. This practice, if successful, could be used around the world where access to veterinary hospitals for spay and neuter programs is not common. 

Dr. Judith Samson. Photo found HERE

VISIT ARF ALBERTA WEBSITE

Get the Facts, Have YourSAY™, Move the industry

Summit - Sponsor support vouchers available

Organizers of the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies endeavor to promote inspiring and insightful conversations throughout the event which ultimately, produce healthy relationships, better understanding and important recognition in the companion animal industry. To do this, all executive level thought leaders  have a place and perspective at the Summit.  

In an effort to make the ISUAS accessible to all agencies and organizations across the industry, vouchers are available to non-profit organizations and other delegates who have not yet registered. 

BECOME A DELEGATE

These $300 coupons can be presented by Summit sponsors and used towards ISUAS registration. Please contact a 2012 ISUAS sponsor for details. 

• CANADIAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
• IAMS 
• ONTARIO SPCA 
• PETSECURE  
• PETSMART CHARITIES OF CANADA
• PIJAC CANADA
• RSA 

The Summits for Urban Animal Strategies attract executive thought leaders from North American companion animal industry to develop strategies that will create and sustain healthy communities for pets and people. Executive level discussion, networking and world class speakers facilitate the executive working sessions. 

Get the facts, have your say, move the industry. 

Animal Sheltering Award

Presented by PetSmart Charities of Canada, the Animal Sheltering award acknowledges the extraordinary efforts to address both the physical and psychological aspects of animal care for animals in shelters, pounds, retail outlets, kennels, veterinary clinics, grooming shops and other facilities where animals are housed. The Animal Sheltering award is a quintessential example of recognition in all four sectors of the companion animal industry.

NOMINATION FORM

Only one nominee met the vetting criteria for the 2011 ISUAS Animal Sheltering award. The City of Edmonton, Animal Care and Control Centre was selected for its construction of a new facility to safely house pets while providing excellence in health care and incorporating best practices in cleanliness and disease management. 

VISIT EDMONTON ACCC WEBSITE  

Nominations for the International Summit of Urban Animal Strategies award nominations are accepted until 14 September 2012. Nominees must meet eligibility criteria. 

5 Million Homeless Pets Adopted in PetSmart® Stores

PetSmart® and PetSmart Charities® hosted a High Five! party in every PetSmart store in North America to celebrate the five millionth pet adopted since the inception their in-store adoption program in 1994, on June 16, 2012. 

Pet owners and their pets were invited to join the celebration and take commemorative photos giving each other a "high-five" to show appreciation to the millions of homeless pets who have been saved through the program.

The five millionth pet to be adopted was a 5-year-old black and white Husky named Dodge in Boynton Beach, Florida on June 2, 2012. 

More than 1,100 pets are adopted daily through the PetSmart Charities Adoption Centers, located inside every PetSmart® store in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

View the YouTube video on the five millionth Adoption

PetSmart Charities Accepting 2012 Grant Applications

Three million dollars to Animal Welfare since 1999

PetSmart Charities® of Canada is accepting 2012 applications for spay/neuter grants.  

The application system will be open from March 15, 2012 through April 15, 2012. 

VISIT THE PETSMART CANADIAN GRANT APPLICATION PAGE

About PetSmart Charities of Canada:

PetSmart Charities of Canada, Inc., (PCCI) is a registered charity that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raises awareness of companion animal welfare issues, and promotes healthy relationships between people and pets. Since 1999, PCCI has granted more than $3 million to animal welfare agencies and, through its in-store pet adoption program, has helped save the lives of more than 130,000 pets.

PetSmart Reports Increased Earnings

PetSmart, Inc. (NASDAQ: PETM) today reported earnings of $0.54 per share, up 32% compared to $0.41 per share in the second quarter of 2010. Net income totaled $61 million in the second quarter of 2011, compared to $48 million in the second quarter of 2010.

Total sales for the second quarter of 2011 increased 7.0% to $1.5
billion. The increase in net sales was partially impacted by $6 million in favorable foreign currency fluctuations. Comparable store sales, or sales in stores open at least a year, grew 5.0%, benefiting from comparable transactions growth of 2.0%. Services sales, which are included in total sales, grew 7.6% to $178 million.

During the second quarter, the company generated $109 million in
operating cash flow, spent $20 million in capital expenditures, distributed $14 million in dividends, and repurchased $63 million of PetSmart stock. The Company ended the quarter with $321 million in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and zero borrowings on its credit facility.

"The strength of our brand was evident with another quarter of solid performance," said Bob Moran, Chief Executive Officer and President, "and validates the work that we are doing on our journey to becoming a
best-in-class specialty retailer."

"For all of 2011, we expect comparable store sales growth in the low- to
mid-single digit range, and total sales growth in the mid-single digit range. We are raising our earnings per share guidance from a previous range of $2.32 to $2.42 to our current expectations of $2.40 to $2.48," said Chip Molloy, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.  "For the third quarter of 2011, we are expecting comparable store sales growth in the 3-4% range, and earnings per share between $0.41 and $0.45."

A phone replay of the teleconference and full report will be available through September 17, 2011, 11:59 p.m. EDT, at 888-266-2081 in the United States and Canada, or at 703-925-2533 for international callers, enter code 1543612.

About PetSmart:

PetSmart, Inc. (NASDAQ: PETM) is the largest specialty pet retailer of
services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. The company employs approximately 48,000 associates and operates more than 1,197 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, over 185 in-store PetSmart(R)
PetsHotel(R) dog and cat boarding facilities and is a leading online provider of pet supplies and pet care information ().

PetSmart provides a broad range of competitively priced pet food and pet products; and offers dog training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart
Doggie Day CampSM day care services and pet adoption services. Since 1994,

PetSmart Charities, Inc., an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare
organization and the largest funder of animal welfare efforts in North
America, has provided more than $134 million in grants and programs
benefiting animal welfare organizations. Through its in-store pet adoption partnership with PetSmart Charities(R), PetSmart has helped save the lives of more than 4.5 million pets.

Contact PetSmart
 

PetSmart reports first quarter 2011 results

PetSmart, Inc. (NASDAQ: PETM) today reported earnings of $0.61 per share, up 33% compared to $0.46 per share in the first quarter of 2010. Net income totaled $71 million in the first quarter of 2011, compared to $56 million in the first quarter of 2010.

Total sales for the first quarter of 2011 increased 6.8% to $1.5 billion. The increase in net sales was partially impacted by $4 million in favorable foreign currency fluctuations. Comparable store sales, or sales in stores open at least a year, grew 5.0%, benefitting from comparable transactions growth of 2.7%. Services sales, which are included in total sales, grew 9.0% to $167 million.

During the first quarter, the company generated $96 million in operating cash flow, spent $31 million in capital expenditures, distributed $14 million in dividends, and repurchased $102 million of PetSmart stock. The Company ended the quarter with $290 million in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and zero borrowings on its credit facility.

"We are pleased to report another quarter of solid earnings growth," said Bob Moran, Chief Executive Officer and President. "Our performance in the first quarter reflects the continued momentum in our business and represents another step forward on our journey to becoming a best-in-class specialty retailer."

"For all of 2011, we expect comparable store sales growth in the low- to
mid-single digit range, and total sales growth in the mid-single digit range. We are raising our earnings per share guidance from a previous range of $2.23 to $2.35 to our current expectations of $2.32 to $2.42," said Chip Molloy, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

"For the second quarter of 2011, we are expecting comparable store sales growth in the mid-single digit range, and earnings per share between $0.47 and $0.51."

About PetSmart
PetSmart, Inc. (NASDAQ: PETM) is the largest specialty pet retailer of
services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. The company employs approximately 48,000 associates and operates more than 1,192 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, over 184 in-store PetSmart(R) 
PetsHotel(R) dog and cat boarding facilities and is a leading online provider of pet supplies and pet care information.

PetSmart provides a broad range of competitively priced pet food and pet products; and offers dog training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart Doggie Day Camp℠ day care services and pet adoption services. Since 1994, PetSmart Charities, Inc., an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare
organization and the largest funder of animal welfare efforts in North America, has provided more than $134 million in grants and programs benefiting animal welfare organizations. Through its in-store pet adoption partnership with PetSmart Charities(R), PetSmart has helped save the lives of more than 4.4 million pets.

Year of the Cat booth at OVMA/AAHA garners lots of interest

Dr. Elizabeth Obrien provides yet another interview in front of the Year of the Cat booth at Canada's largest gathering of animal health stakeholders in Toronto last week.

This national initiative arose out of the International Summit for Urban Animal Strategies in 2009 which focused on the plight of cats in our communities. 

This is the first Summit program to embrace all stakeholders and to be supported by all four sectors of the industry Animal Welfare, Animal Health and Wellness, Animal Control and Enforcement, and Animal Services.

PetLynx, Petsecure, PetSmart Charities and Ontario SPCA were the initial sponsors of this initiative, but it has now found widespread support across the industry led by the tireless efforts of Dr. Obrien, Judi Cannon, PetLynx and Mika Sanson, PetSecure as well as Kate McDonald and her ever helpful colleagues at Ontario SPCA. Brand affiliations include Iams by Procter and Gamble and Profender by Bayer who have added their resources to promote this program across Canada.

The OVMA/AAHA booth was resourced by Judi Cannon, Dr. Liz and the wonderful Stephanie Johns of the Ontario SPCA.  To read more about this initiative or to bring the Year of the Cat program to your community please visit Care for Cats or contact  judi.cannon@petlynxmail.com