Paws for Hope Animal Foundation has been awarded a $60,000 grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada to help tackle challenges in accessing veterinary care in Anacla, B.C. This funding will support the Huu-ay-aht First Nation, in partnership with CARE Network, to address the veterinary needs of local communities.

Rising veterinary costs, along with geographical and cultural barriers, have left many communities, especially Indigenous ones, without access to essential veterinary care. The grant is part of an initiative to create innovative, culturally relevant programs focused on Indigenous communities, which have historically been excluded from veterinary care.

“Access to veterinary care is the number one animal welfare issue impacting companion animals in our country,” says Kathy Powelson, founder and executive director of Paws for Hope. “This, a first-of-its-kind funding opportunity, enables us to work in partnership with both the community and a local animal welfare organization (CARE).”

Earlier in 2023, PetSmart Charities of Canada announced a commitment of $18 million over five years to improve access to veterinary care. A key component of this initiative is the “Incubator” grant program, which aims to change how veterinary care is provided to historically underserved Indigenous communities.

“Nearly one in five Canadians struggle to access even basic preventative care such as spay/neuter procedures, vaccinations and annual exams,” says Kate Atema, director of community grants & initiatives at PetSmart Charities of Canada. “While this issue affects families in nearly every community, those who have been historically excluded from human social services are most in need of pet services.”