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Changing Lives Through Access to Veterinary Care

Petsmart Charities Staff Writer — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 03:32:19 +0000

Changing Lives Through Access to Veterinary Care Petsmart Chari… Tue, 03/30/2021 - 23:32

Be the Next Scholarship Recipient! Apply Here

Devon K. Mims recalls lovingly joking with his grandmother as a four-year-old, telling her he would grow up and fix her back someday. Today, as a third-year veterinary student, Devon knows it won’t be an animal doctor fixing grandma’s back. But, it will be him who helps bridge the gap in health disparities that are inextricably linked between humans and animals.

“Growing up, I always knew I was interested in healthcare, but I didn’t always want to be a veterinarian,” says Devon.

It was a series of inadvertent events accompanied by deliberate action that shaped Devon’s life path. Beginning with his four-year-old aspirations and followed by the loss of his high-school best friend and confidant, a Labrador named Princess. When Princess was diagnosed with cancer, Devon immediately identified opportunities in animal health care.

“I realized at that moment that there’s a lot that can be done for people and animals in the way they interact with the healthcare system,” explains Devon.

Almost serendipitously, the week after Princess passed away, a representative from Devon’s high school introduced a brand new veterinary program to which he applied and was accepted. Simultaneously, he developed a passion for learning sign language and immersed himself in the Deaf community, later becoming a TA in sign language courses.

The parallels between veterinary studies and the Deaf community may not be obvious, but the two revealed a significant gap in the healthcare system.

“It expanded the idea of what being involved with marginalized communities and those with health disparities means—even beyond working with people with disabilities,” he shares.

Devon hit the research trail and discovered so much about himself in the process, including the impact on marginalized communities, particularly within groups he identifies with including first-generation students, black and Latinx, and queer students in high-achieving situations, among others.

“It made me realize how many other people, based on income status or first-generation status or based on their status as a non-native English speaker, aren’t engaging in primary healthcare. Many don’t have access to develop health literacy or are just not regarded as a priority population for health care providers.”

Today, Devon regularly volunteers to oversee cases in the University of Florida PAWS Clinic serving under-resourced communities and those with disabilities, but his work and passion for providing access to veterinary care have only begun. As the first recipient of our inaugural Steve Marton Veterinary Student Scholarship, we know his unrelenting dedication to service, and education, and the human-animal bond, will effect positive changes in making veterinary care accessible within marginalized communities.

We asked Devon why he felt he was the best candidate for the scholarship. We couldn’t agree more with his response, “The privilege of PetSmart Charities’ support would be no less than an honor to me, and I would so humbly champion the mission of accessible veterinary care while continuing to engage and uplift individuals from marginalized communities.”

Devon is expected to graduate in May of 2022 with his DVM; we can’t wait to see his work’s impact in making the world a better place for pets and those who love them.

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Give a Double Dose of Hope

Petsmart Charities Staff Writer — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 17:24:07 +0000

Give a Double Dose of Hope Petsmart Chari… Thu, 11/19/2020 - 12:24

Double the love this Giving Tuesday, December 1st.

For every donation made to PetSmart Charities, our friends at PetSmart are matching dollar for dollar, up to $250,000

Three Ways to Donate

Right here on our website
Donate on your PetSmart.com order
Give at the checkout at your local PetSmart store

Every Dollar Makes a Difference

Your contributions make it possible to change the lives of pets and those who love them. Help us meet our match, donate today!

PetSmart will donate up to $250,000 between PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Charities of Canada to help pets in need. The amount matched for each entity based on donations received on December 1, 2020 is up to $236,000 in the U.S. and up to $14,000 in Canada.

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Neonatal Kitten Warrior: Hannah Shaw

Petsmart Charities Staff Writer — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 20:05:45 +0000

Neonatal Kitten Warrior: Hannah Shaw Petsmart Chari… Tue, 09/15/2020 - 16:05 Virginia Nelson

Neonatal Kitten Warrior, Hannah Shaw, leverages her 95 thousand Instagram followers to raise awareness for at-risk kittens. As she documents her rescue efforts, comprised of bottle feeding and raising kittens less than eight weeks old, loyal fans not only get a daily dose of cuteness but also a quick lesson on neonatal kitten care. We chatted with the Kitten Lady about her longtime passion for animals, what’s in her bag, and why she loves goodbyes.

When did you turn from animal advocate to Kitten Warrior?

I did have a turning point but it was pretty far into my animal advocacy work. I was twenty and living in Philadelphia. I was walking through a park and I looked up in a tree and saw a little black speck and thought, “Is that a kitten?” I was determined to climb the tree and save the kitten but I was wearing flip-flops. I asked a stranger if I could borrow his shoes, I put them on and climbed the tree, put the kitten in my shirt, shimmied back down and I was like, “Oh yay! I have the kitten!” then I was like, “Oh crap, I have the kitten. Now what?”

I went back to my office and looked online, there was nothing about how to take care of young kittens anywhere. I went to the vet who also didn’t know what to do with a kitten that small. I discovered, very quickly, the need for resources on neonatal kitten care. That kitten became my cat, Coco. She’s my inspiration for everything I’ve done.

Your Instagram is cuteness overload but it’s more than just adorable kittens, tell us about it.

I’ve been doing advocacy work forever, so I’m used to working with organizations that are knowledgeable about animal welfare. Through social media, I’ve found an outlet where that knowledge is not in existence. It all started when Cats of Instagram shared a picture that I posted and my followers grew by 10,000 overnight. As people find me through other cat profiles that are not necessarily rescue-based, it gives me an opportunity to educate an entire audience of cat lovers that don’t really understand the problems facing stray or abandoned pets. There are all these young people who need inspiration and education about animal welfare, and it’s the best feeling in the world that I get to be that resource. People say to me, “You make fostering seem cool.” I don’t think of myself as cool but if being a tattooed lady with cute shoes makes people think, “Hey, I can be cool and save lives too,” I’ll take it.

Speaking of accessories, you’re known to carry some fashionable handbags too

You can find me strolling around Washington DC, carrying many, many bags—inside those bags are the orphans I care for around-the-clock. A lot of people think being the Kitten Lady is my full-time job but I also work in animal protection and do non-profit consulting. Every few hours the kittens need to be fed so I’ll go to work and they come with me, I have purse kennels that are designed to not look like I have a litter of kittens in them.

As a huge animal lover, did you grow up with a ton of pets at home?

I grew up in Manhattan, a total city kid and had no pets growing up. Even though I didn’t have that experience growing up, I always loved animals. I have a very specific memory of when I was young and for some reason, my family and I went to a barn and there was a kitten there that I picked up and (it) fell asleep in my arms. I remember my mom saying, “That means she trusts you” and that moment is burned into my head. That’s part of why I do what I do because I loved that feeling—knowing that this kitten trusted me.

What does the term “Cat Lady” mean to you?

It’s funny because my name is the Kitten Lady, but let’s just take gender out of it and let anyone who wants to help cats do just that. I hear a lot of men tell me, “Oh, I’m more of a dog person,” it doesn’t have to be either/or, it’s not a dichotomy. Nobody should feel like their masculinity is threatened because they like cats. There are so many animals that need help, when we feminize cat rescue, I think it ultimately hurts cats because it makes half of the population feel like they shouldn't participate.

Is it tough raising kittens only to say goodbye?

Goodbye is the goal—that’s the parameter for success. If you don’t get to the goodbye, then something went wrong. I’m happy when I’m saying goodbye. I don’t need to have these kittens; I just need to make sure the kittens stay alive. Once they don’t need me anymore, it’s time for them to go be alive with someone else. I tell them, “Congratulations you made it! Now you guys are moochers, what are you still doing here?”

Help neonatal kittens have their day at KittenLady.org

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From National Radio Host to Pet Rescue Hero

Petsmart Charities Staff Writer — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 19:56:58 +0000

From National Radio Host to Pet Rescue Hero Petsmart Chari… Tue, 09/15/2020 - 15:56 Virginia Nelson

Best known as the brash and brutally honest half of KISS FM’s nationally syndicated Johnjay & Rich Morning Show, Johnjay Van Es is also making a name for himself as an advocate for homeless pets. When he’s not working, exercising or binge-watching Friends, the father of three and his family foster pets in need and help them find forever homes through Johnjay’s seven million listeners and his social media channels—which inspire pet adoption awareness using the hashtag “LovePup.”

Just like us at PetSmart Charities, Johnjay’s roots are planted in Phoenix, Arizona. Though the Johnjay & Rich Morning Show enjoys a national following, the Arizona native plans to stay grounded in The Valley of the Sun—great news for dogs and dog lovers across the city which continues to rank among the highest in homeless pet population. We chatted with the radio star (post-workout and mid-meal, of course) about #lovepup and helping pets in need.

How did your involvement with pet rescue begin?

When I was a kid, if I found a stray I’d keep it and bring it home. My parents would get mad and I’d have to find a home for the dog. Then, I met my wife, Blake, and she’s a huge dog lover too. Now, we have three kids and five rescue dogs at home.

How did your rescue efforts evolve?

About a year ago, somebody called my wife about a stray Chihuahua they found in an alley, we took in the Chihuahua as a foster and posted the dog’s picture on my Instagram. Within seconds, people were messaging me about adopting her. It was crazy! While looking through each person’s Instagram profile and history, I saw a really nice couple. They had about 100 weeks of pictures of their travels, hanging out at home and spending time with family, but most of all. I noticed they brought their dog with them everywhere. They seemed perfect, and when we met, they were amazing.

I thought, “Wow, I’m really good at this, I found the best family for this dog.” The next day I shared the story on the radio and that opened up the floodgates. All of a sudden, I’m getting calls from people who have found dogs, need to rehome a dog or want to adopt a dog. So, we’re constantly rescuing dogs, at one point, I had 14 dogs at my house that needed homes. We’ve rescued and found homes for about 150 dogs. If they need to be spayed, neutered or need any veterinary care, shots or surgeries, I cover those expenses.

Tell us about the #LovePup mission

It started with #LoveUp about a year ago. I want to start a movement where people do something nice for others everyday. I asked people to share their stories using the hashtag “LoveUp.” At the same time, I was saving dogs and talking about it on the radio so people naturally started tagging it #LovePup. Today, #LoveUp is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization., #LovePup isn’t yet, but, I’m working on making it an official charity so we can help even more pets. In the meantime, I help match dogs with people through Instagram. I vet potential adopters through their social profiles before meeting them.

What characteristics are you seeking?

Basically, I look for people that have a history of doing good things. If you’re drinking and partying all the time, you’re probably not going to get the dog.

What role do your wife and kids play in all of this?

I couldn’t do this without my wife, Blake. She’s amazing. I bring dogs home and she takes care of them, feeds them, gives them eye drops, tick baths, anything they need. She’s out there meeting potential pet adopters when I’m on the air and then helps drop off dogs at their new homes. The kids are also involved; it’s a big family project.

How do you inspire your kids to be future animal advocates?

It’s so important for my kids to be well-balanced human beings and gentlemen. If they know how to love animals and they see their mom and dad loving animals I think they’ll grow up to be solid guys. I heard this on Oprah once, she said “Values are caught not taught.” So my wife and I show them how we love on each other and we love on our dogs and kids.

Why is pet adoption important to you?

There are so many pets that need homes. Why not adopt and save a dog’s life? I tell people, “Go save a dog from a shelter because that dog will know you saved its life and it will be the best dog you’ve ever had.” I believe that one hundred percent. Here’s the difference between rescue dogs and purchased dogs, rescues are about a week or two away from actually having a human conversation with you. Like my dog Taco, I’ll look at Taco and he looks at me like, “Hey man, can you turn off the TV?” They’re just that connected to you.

Looking to help save homeless pets?

Follow Johnjay and share your #lovepup story on Instagram

Rescue your best friend during National Adoption Weekend

Find unconditional love at any of our Everyday Adoption Centers

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Regional Animal Services of King County

Petsmart Charities Staff Writer — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 09:39:13 +0000

Regional Animal Services of King County Petsmart Chari… Fri, 04/10/2020 - 05:39

“We’re right in the area where COVID-19 began in Washington State,” says Tim Anderson, Lead Sergeant of Regional Animal Services of King County, or RASKC. The shelter system serves an astounding 24 cities, including Seattle. “In normal times, we provide animal shelter and control to 1.1 million people, seven days a week, and we have about 5,000 adoptions a year,” says Tim.

Help is on the way! With a speedy grant from PetSmart Charities, Lori Mason, Foster Coordinator of Regional Animal Services of King County, WA, gets food to bring to food banks and shelters for pets whose owners are affected by COVID-19.

These are not normal times, though. RASKC has had to shift their resources toward a mission targeted to the current health crisis: helping families affected by COVID-19 keep their pets.

Planning for the Worst, Hoping for the Best

“Our biggest initial concern was the flood of animals we might see,” says Tim. RASKC anticipated large numbers of animal surrenders from people being hospitalized, those moved into quarantine and unable to take their pets with them, and workers suddenly unemployed who could no longer afford to care for their pets. “That’s not good for anyone,” says Tim. “Being able to keep a pet reduces stress, and that helps a person’s immune system. It’s good for the people, and it’s good for the pet to not end up in a shelter.”

“We’re trying to keep people and their pets together,” says Tim Anderson of Regional Animal Services of King County, WA. When that isn’t possible, the RASKC team is setting up mobile shelters to help pet parents and keep pets out of the shelter system.

Keeping Pets and People Together

RASKC quickly coordinated with Public Health to work with families and individuals, including the homeless, who might become separated from their pets. To get help to those who needed it, and fast, PetSmart Charities rushed a grant to RASKC so they could put their initiatives into action. “Thanks to PetSmart Charities, we’re keeping operations going. We can purchase a cargo trailer and food and supplies to set up remote shelters, and get food where it needs to be,” says Tim. “We couldn’t have done this without PetSmart Charities. I haven’t worked with any organization that expedited this process so quickly. We got the funds within days and were able to do what we needed to do to help the community.”

Kate Hipol, Animal Services Coordinator for Regional Animal Services of King County, WA, and a friend in need. RASKC is doing everything they can to help pet parents keep their furry family members with them, or placed with fosters.

The RASKC team knows that, unlike an earthquake, storm, or other natural disasters, the coronavirus crisis will have lingering effects. “We’re working to make sure all shelters and our area food banks are stocked with pet food. People who could normally purchase food and supplies now can’t, either because stores are sold out or they can’t afford it,” says Tim. “The shelter is not a good place for pets to be. Thanks to this partnership with PetSmart Charities, we can help keep pets where they ought to be—with their families.”

Turkeys need love too! Ashley Hernandez, Animal Care Technician at Regional Animal Services of King County, WA, tends to one of the many pets at the shelter. They, and shelters across the country, are helping pets and people stay together whenever possible during the COVID-19 health crisis.

If you’re in the King County area and need information on how to keep your pet or help others do the same, visit www.kingcounty.gov/pets

An EPEC Idea: The Grooming Project Helps Kansas City Parents Get Back on Their Feet

Petsmart Charities Staff Writer — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 07:00:00 +0000

An EPEC Idea: The Grooming Project Helps Kansas City Parents Get Back on Their Feet Petsmart Chari… Thu, 02/14/2019 - 02:00

Thu, 02/14/2019 - 12:00

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For many people, finding work that pays a living wage is difficult. That’s why Empowering the Parent to Empower the Child (EPEC)—a nonprofit organization located in Kansas City—launched The Grooming Project, a program that helps impoverished families become self-reliant by training them to become pet groomers.

David Michael, a district leader with PetSmart, was so impressed with EPEC’s program that he selected them to receive a PetSmart Charities grant.

“Their goal to give homeless mothers a chance to have a career is a noble one,” he says. “The fact that it’s in pet grooming makes it even more special to me. From my very first visit to their facility I was impressed with people, the quality of training, the integrity of the program and the facility itself.”

According to Natasha Kirsch, executive director of EPEC, the grant will be used to help students get an education.

“The PetSmart Charities grant will be used for emergency assistance for our students,” she says. “It will pay for food, gas, electric bills, medication, bus passes, and flat tires. All the stuff that needs to be taken care of so they can be in school learning how to groom.”

Program Makes a Genuine Difference

The results of the program can be life-changing. That was the case for Christine, a single mother of two. Working two jobs to make ends meet, she knew she needed a career with more stability.

Although she didn’t have much experience with animals, her children encouraged her to enroll in The Grooming Project. Thanks to her calm and empathetic nature, she’s successful with even anxious dogs. Now employed as a groomer at a pet hospital, she’s able to provide more stability for her family.

“I’m calmer at home now, because I know everything is taken care of,” she says. “We’re able to have some extra things that we couldn’t have before. We have reliable transportation. Going to work feels like I’m not working at all. The dogs are helping me as I’m helping them.”

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How to Get Your Dog Ready for the Back-to-School Routine

vnelson — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 07:00:00 +0000

How to Get Your Dog Ready for the Back-to-School Routine vnelson Wed, 08/02/2017 - 03:00

Wed, 08/02/2017 - 12:00

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August is already here, which means parents are celebrating sending their kids to school again. But while back-to-school season might mean more free time for you, it can be hard on your dog.

During the summer, your pooch might get used to lazy days in the sun. The family probably sleeps in a little, the children are home to play and he may have free rein of the house. Once the first day of school arrives, that all ends.

That change can be a shock to your dog’s system. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. By preparing in advance for the first day, you can ease your dog into the transition. Here’s how:

Get him used to a new routine

One to two weeks before the start of school, introduce the morning routine to your dog. Set your alarm for earlier than usual and start breakfast. Take him for his morning walk or let him out into the yard, but only for as long as you’ll let him on a typical school day.

By experiencing the daily routine now, he can get used to it gradually while you’re still home.

Set up an exercise schedule

Your dog probably got used to playing with your kids all day. Suddenly being alone in the home, without all that activity, can cause an energetic dog to destroy your household items.

To prevent that from happening, set up an exercise schedule. Enlist the help of your children to plan morning, after school and nighttime walks or play sessions. By getting his excess energy out, he’ll be more likely to spend the day peacefully sleeping.

Practice with the crate

If you plan on crating your dog during school days, get him used to it in small doses while you’re still home. Place a fun toy like a stuffed bone in the crate, and keep him in there for short periods. He’ll get accustomed his crate and rest in it when the first day of school arrives.

Preparing for School

The back-to-school switch can be tough for a dog. But by taking steps now, you can help your dog adjust to the new schedule and have a more relaxed routine for the whole family.

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How to Protect Your Cat Over the Fourth of July

vnelson — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 07:00:00 +0000

How to Protect Your Cat Over the Fourth of July vnelson Mon, 07/03/2017 - 03:00

Mon, 07/03/2017 - 12:00

vnelson

Between sparklers and fireworks displays, the loud noises and strange smells can be particularly difficult for cats.

While Independence Day parties can be an exciting way to spend time with friends and family, the festivities can be hard for your pets. In fact, more pets go missing on July 4th weekend than any other time of the year.

Issues Cat Owners Face During July Fourth

According to Dr. Carol Osborne, D.V.M., cats are at risk of many dangers.

“Cats will often fall victim to burns from sparklers and can often be found to enjoy string-like material that can shoot out of some fireworks,” said Dr. Osborne. “These can be very dangerous, so it is best to keep your cat out of harm’s way.”

The sound of fireworks can also induce panic, causing your cat to run away. Cats can end up with broken bones or suffer from dehydration and fatigue because of fear.

How to Keep Your Cat Safe

By being proactive, you can minimize your cat’s stress. Following these four steps can help keep your cat safe and happy:

Confine Your Cat

“Keep your cats inside, especially if they are indoor cats, and keep them out of harm's way” said Dr. Osborne.

One option is to create a secure safe space for your cat, such as a pet carrier with a favorite blanket and toy. Or, if your cat simply must be outside, you can set up a kitty play plen in your backyard so you can supervise her.

Make Sure Your Cat Has a Collar and Tags

If your cat does manage to escape, having identification on her collar can help her get back to you safely.
“Be sure your pets have well-fitting collars with up to date ID tags just in case your pet gets lost,” says Dr. Osborne.Also, having your vet implant a microchip can be lifesaving. If someone finds your cat, they can have a vet scan the chip and locate you.

Locate an Emergency Veterinarian

Before any mishap occurs, it’s a good idea to know where to go in case of a crisis.

“No matter where you and your four-legged family are spending the holiday, locate a 24-hour veterinary facility just in case an emergency occurs and keep the phone number handy,” says Dr. Osborne. Add the emergency veterinarian’s phone number and address to your phone, or paste it on the refrigerator so you can find it quickly.

If you don’t know where the nearest 24-hour facility is, Animal Home has a comprehensive listing of emergency clinics to help you find one nearby.

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