June 17, 2021— VERO BEACH, FL – PetSmart Charities, the leading funder in animal welfare, has awarded the Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County (HSVB) a two-year $152,000 grant to improving access to veterinary care in Fellsmere and Gifford. The purpose of the grant is to provide basic medical care to pets in communities with little to no access to veterinary care due to the cost and other barriers such as transportation and language.
“Our community members love their pets and we want to make sure that every loved pet has the access to veterinary care they need to be healthy, happy, and ultimately stay out of the shelter,” said Kate Meghji, Executive Director. “Neither Fellsmere or Gifford have a local veterinary clinic and we are so thrilled to have the opportunity to provide these services.”
Veterinary care will be provided at the HSVB shelter clinic, as well as local pop-up clinics throughout the program. Any resident of Fellsmere or Gifford can participate and access significantly reduced fees, transportation, and translation services if needed, and access to enhanced services such as dental and minor sick care and basic surgical treatments
“We’re excited to partner with the Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian County (HSVB) to bring veterinary care to the Fellsmere and Gifford communities,” said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities. “Accessible veterinary care is key to ensuring that pets remain healthy and happy with the families that love them. Grants like these help eliminate barriers, bringing affordable veterinary care to those who need it most.”
Since 1994, through its partnership with nearly 4,000 humane societies, SPCAs and pet rescues across North America, PetSmart Charities has helped more than 9 million pets to find loving homes via its in-store adoption program in over 1,650 PetSmart® stores. The leading funder of animal welfare has also donated nearly $400 million, to positively impact communities, connect people and pets, help preserve families, and improve access to veterinary care through initiatives like this with HSVB.
Gifford and Fellsmere, FL residents can learn more about HSVB’s affordable veterinary care program by calling (772) 388-3331 or visiting www.hsvb.org/petcare online.
