Meeting the need

Tens of thousands of people are confronted with financial hardship or serious medical conditions that force them to make the difficult decision to give up their pets. Low-income people and seniors are most at risk of being separated from their animal companions yet a growing body of scientific research shows physical and mental health benefits to people with pets in their lives.

Among the top ten animal- and pet-related nonprofits, BCT is the only organization that is solely focused on preventing the surrender of pets.

According to the ASPCA, every year more than 2 million pets are surrendered to local shelters by families and more than half of all animals in shelters are euthanized annually.

For many in vulnerable populations such as low-income families, seniors, disabled and homebound people, and homeless people their pets are their only companion and sometimes literally their only reason for living.

Banfield Charitable Trust supports programs that address both individual emergency veterinary medical crises and root causes of pet surrender.   

Our veterinary care programs and select pet advocacy grants help financially challenged people keep pets healthy and offset costs in emergency medical situations.

Pet Peace of Mind^® enables hospice patients to keep their pets at home with them throughout the end–of-life journey.

Season of Suppers^TM helps local Meals on Wheels programs distribute pet food to homebound people.

Pet Advocacy Grants help local pet-focused organizations address unique needs facing their communities with innovative solutions to keep pets and their people together.

If your organization or program helps pets and their people stay together, consider applying for a BCT grant.