BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland SPCA has received a $21,000 grant from PetSmart Charities to provide free veterinary services to up to 175 Baltimore pet owners in under-resourced neighborhoods.
Before the pandemic, many families with pets couldn’t afford health care for their animals. The COVID-19 crisis has significantly deepened those struggles, leading some pet owners to conclude their only option is to surrender their beloved pets to shelters.
With this grant, the MD SPCA will pilot an expansion of its PAW (Prevention and Wellness) program, which provides discounted veterinary care at its Wellness Clinic to people with low incomes. Over the next two years, the PAW Plus pilot will deliver free pet health services directly to under-resourced Baltimore neighborhoods.
In partnership with Charm City Companions, MD SPCA vets will provide exams, vaccines, heartworm tests, ear cleaning, and nail trimming to up to 175 pet families who can’t access veterinary care for financial, transportation, or other reasons.
“The Maryland SPCA’s mission is to improve pets’ and people’s lives. PAW Plus is one of the most direct ways we can do that,” said Katie Flory, community relations director at the MD SPCA. “We are so excited to provide free veterinary care that will help people keep their pets.”
“We are proud to partner with the MD SPCA to bring accessible veterinary care to Baltimore pets in need,” said Kelly Balthazor, regional relationship manager at PetSmart Charities. Thanks to the PAW program, pet parents can provide crucial care for their pets without worry of financial barriers.”
Since 1994, through its partnership with nearly 4,000 humane societies, SPCAs, and pet rescues across North America, PetSmart Charities has helped more than 9.3 million pets to find loving homes via its in-store adoption program in over 1,600 PetSmart® stores. The leading funder of animal welfare has also donated nearly $430 million to improve access to veterinary care, to positively impact communities, to connect people and pets, and to help preserve families through initiatives like this with the MD SPCA.
