Providing access to free pet food, supplies, veterinary care, and emergency boarding
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has assisted more than 40,000 animals impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The commitment met pride when ASPCA announced to helping approximately 200,000 animals nationally through its efforts.
ASPCA is comprehensively addressing the most urgent needs of pet owners and animal shelters across the country by providing access to free pet food, supplies, veterinary care, emergency boarding, information, and crucial funding, to keep animals safe and healthy.
Connecting pet owners with lifesaving services and resources
The helping hands came after the tremendous demand for crucial pet food and supplies. In response, ASPCAÂ has launched regional pet food distribution centers in New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, and Asheville, N.C., while also supporting local shelters operating their own food distribution centers by providing free pet food for those organizations, such as Columbus Humane in Ohio.
Pet food and supplies are available by walk-up, drive-through, and home delivery services across different locations. Since launching in March, more than 40,000 dogs, cats, and horses have been helped through the program. The ASPCA has helped through delivering more than 8,000 pounds of critical pet food to hundreds of dogs in 35 Alaskan villages, whose access to food and supplies had been cut off as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
Emergency relief for animal welfare organizations
The COVID-19 crisis has not only brought unprecedented challenges for pet owners struggling to care for their animals but also put homeless animals at-risk by straining essential shelter resources. To help assist animal welfare organizations during these challenging times, the ASPCA emergency relief grant program is awarding a minimum of $2 million in lifesaving funding for animal welfare organizations whose programs, operations, or fundraising capabilities have been severely impacted by COVID-19.
Helping vulnerable shelter animals and equines find loving homes
The ASPCA is committed to helping animal shelters and rescue groups find safe and loving homes for the animals in their care. To address challenges raised by the COVID-19 pandemic, animal shelters have employed innovative techniques, including using technology to facilitate online adoptions, to continue safely moving dogs and cats out of the shelter and into homes.
On June 5 – 7, the ASPCA will host the National Adoption Weekend to encourage the public to #AdoptFromHome and help thousands of homeless dogs, cats, and horses find homes.
