Thousands Of Dogs And Cats To Smile Brighter Thanks To Banfield Foundation® Dental Health Grants
Banfield Foundation Grants $55,000 to Seven Shelters to Help Combat Dental Disease--and Promote Preventive Care--in Dogs and Cats
PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Banfield Foundation®, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, today announced seven grants to shelters across the country to help provide dental care to pets in need. The grants, totaling $55,000, are the result of money raised through Banfield Pet Hospital's second children's book, "My Very, Very Smelly Breath." The scratch-and-sniff book educates children on the importance of pet dental health and was available at Banfield Pet hospitals across the country. One hundred percent of all proceeds went to helping provide necessary dental care to pets in need, which will be achieved through these grants.
"Dental disease is the most common disease for pets seen at Banfield Pet Hospital, impacting 76 percent of dogs and 68 percent of cats, and is very common for shelter pets, especially as they get older," said Dr. George Melillo, regional medical director for the northeast region of Banfield Pet Hospital and board member for the Banfield Foundation. "We are happy that the children's book not only educates families on the importance of pet dental health, but also allowed us to ensure an estimated 3,500 pets a year get the care they need from these shelters."
Each of the seven grants will purchase machines that enable the grant recipients to provide onsite dental cleanings, conduct tooth extractions or take and analyze x-rays. The full list of recipients includes:
- PAWS Atlanta in Decatur, Georgia
- Michigan Humane Society in Bingham Farms, Michigan
- Sacramento SPCA in Sacramento, California
- Kansas Humane Society in Wichita, Kansas
- Humane Society of North Texas in Fort Worth, Texas
- Connecticut Humane Society in Newington, Connecticut
- Spartanburg Humane Society in Spartanburg, South Carolina
"The animals we receive are all ages and come from all backgrounds. Many are middle aged and older and are in great need of dental work. When we are able to address these problems, the shine comes right back to the eyes and hearts of these pets," said Gordon Willard, executive director for the Connecticut Humane Society. "I cannot adequately capture how much this grant from the Banfield Foundation enhances our capacity to deliver this care. It is really life altering for those we serve."
Banfield Foundation was established by Banfield Pet Hospital in September 2015 and, since that time, has given more than $1 million in grants, impacting the lives of more than 33,000 pets. While it is a separate nonprofit entity, the Banfield Foundation shares a similar mission and vision with Banfield Pet Hospital in its focus of improving the well-being of pets, communities and the science of veterinary medicine. Through grants and service programs, the Banfield Foundation focuses on 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.
Learn more about the Banfield Foundation by visiting BanfieldFoundation.org or following the foundation at Facebook.com/BanfieldFoundation.
About the Banfield Foundation®
Founded in 2015 by Banfield Pet Hospital®, the Banfield Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to improving the well-being of pets and communities. Our mission is to elevate the power of the human-animal bond, strengthen the pet welfare community, provide disaster relief for pets and advance the science of veterinary medicine through fostering innovation and education. We also offer support for all aspects of veterinary care and provide grants to nonprofit organizations in order keep pets healthy and in loving homes. For more information visit BanfieldFoundation.org or follow us at Facebook.com/BanfieldFoundation.
Media Contacts:
Lauren Irving, External Communications
[email protected]; Media Hotline 888-355-0595
on behalf of the Banfield Foundation
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SOURCE Banfield Foundation®
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