Dakin Humane Society Receives $150,000 Grant from PetSmart Charities

SPRINGFIELD — 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 preventive care. With as many as 70% of households now including pets, this issue affects families in nearly every community.

PetSmart Charities has committed $100 million over the next five years toward improving access to veterinary care. Its 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.

The grant made to Dakin Humane Society in the amount of $150,000 for year one will support the expansion of the Pet Health Center, which provides access to quality, compassionate veterinary medical care for pet cats and dogs. During phase one, the funding will support operations as well as capital-improvement costs along with staffing and consultants as needed to support the business analysis and preparation for expansion. Dakin will also participate in a cohort to learn from other accessible veterinary clinics supported by PetSmart Charities.

“Dakin is thrilled to have been selected as an Accelerator grant recipient. This generous funding from PetSmart Charities will allow us to sustain and expand services offered to pet owners in our community who have struggled to access veterinary care in the past,” said Meg Talbert, executive director at Dakin. “The Pet Health Center has been a wonderful addition at Dakin and is strategically aligned with our mission to deliver effective, innovative services that improve the lives of animals in need and the people who care about them. Our goal is to ensure that services that support the human-animal bond are accessible to all.”