St. Francis Pet Care has been providing free primary veterinary care for companion animals of homeless and very low income residents of Alachua County at its weekly clinic since 2007. They have about 400 active clients with 679 pets in the program. The Banfield Foundation has awarded $10,000 to St Francis Pet Care through its Veterinary Assistance Grant program for the purchase of flea and heartworm preventives, vaccines and other medicines, and veterinary supplies such as heartworm tests and microchips.
“Our clients may be poor but they care about their pets and depend on them for companionship and love, and sometimes for security,” said Dale Kaplan-Stein, DVM, co-founder and president of SFPC. “They shouldn’t have to turn their companion animals into shelters just because they can’t afford routine veterinary care. At St. Francis Pet Care we do our best to keep pets with their people.”
Chris Machen, co-founder and vice-president of SFPC added, “Our largest single expense is for the flea and heartworm preventives that we provide to our clients monthly. This award from the Banfield Foundation means we’ll be able to maintain adequate supplies all year.”
About Banfield Foundation
Established in 2015 by Banfield Pet Hospital, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is committed to improving the well-being of pets and communities by elevating the power of the pet-human bond, strengthening the pet welfare community, providing disaster relief for pets, and advancing the science of veterinary medicine through fostering innovation and education. Their grants offer support for all aspects of veterinary care and provide funding to nonprofit organizations in order keep pets healthy and in loving homes.
