$200,000 Grant from the Joanie Bernard Foundation will help further the Give Them Ten Movement by funding critical cat spay/neuter surgeries
INDIANAPOLIS – “The FIX is IN!”, a partnership between Pet Friendly Services of Indiana and Public Vet, has received a $200,000 grant from the Joanie Bernard Foundation and its Give Them Ten Movement to provide financial assistance to at-risk communities in need of affordable spay/neuter surgeries and essential care for cats. The grant will fix a minimum of 4,000 cats in the following Southeast Indiana counties: Decatur, Fayette, Franklin, Rush, and Union.
Public Vet is a mobile veterinary clinic that can fix up to 130 cats per day. The surgery rate is $90, but support from Pet Friendly Services provides additional discounts for cases with demonstrated financial need. In 2022, Pet Friendly Services provided over $85,000 of financial assistance, completing 95 clinics and fixing over 7,000 cats across the state. With the new funding provided by the Joanie Bernard Foundation, 2023 totals are expected to be even higher.
Why only cats? Cats can reproduce at as early as 4 months of age and at a prolific rate. Left unchecked, a cat population can quickly overwhelm the resources available at a shelter. Curbing the intake of cats and kittens is essential to reducing the euthanasia of both shelter cats and dogs.
“We are truly grateful to the Joanie Bernard Foundation for helping The FIX is IN! provide critical assistance in communities with dire need,” said Pet Friendly Services Executive Director Cheri Storms. “All five of these Southeast Indiana counties lack access to veterinary care. This generous grant will allow us to help pet owners and caretakers get their pets fixed to prevent unwanted litters.”
“These funds will help to further the Give Them Ten Movement which seeks to improve the lives of cats by creating a community that understands cats and takes actions to protect them, including spaying and neutering,” said Deborah Cribbs, founder and director of the Give Them Ten Movement. “This is one more step towards our goal of creating a no-kill nation for cats.”
Public Vet is currently adding dates to The FIX is IN! schedule in counties across Indiana. Surgeries are by appointment only. Pet owners should book appointments right away, as spots are limited. Sign up at www.pub.vet.
Pet Friendly Services of Indiana is funded by the Pet Friendly license plate, grants, and donations. To support this project or learn more, please visit PetFriendlyServices.org.
Pet Friendly Services of Indiana is a statewide animal welfare organization whose mission is to eliminate the euthanasia of adoptable cats and dogs through financial assistance, education, and advocacy. Our small team stretches our dollars to serve as many animals as possible and to make permanent changes to benefit cats, dogs, and the people who love them. Pet Friendly Services receives no government funding and relies on donors, grants, fundraising and funds from the Pet Friendly Specialty License Plate. www.PetFriendlyServices.org
Public Vet’s goal is to identify communities that are at risk and provide & improve the quality of life of the Animals and pets within it. Public Veterinary Service targets the Community, using veterinary care as an incentive to network and educate every community they work in. Their goal is to identify communities that are overpopulated and at high risk and address any factors that adversely affect health.
The Joanie Bernard Foundation is working to create a no-kill nation for cats through their Give Them Ten Movement. This movement seeks to improve the lives of cats by creating a community that understands cats and takes actions to protect them, including spaying and neutering. The Foundation supports groups, organizations and projects that advance the Give Them Ten Movement. https://www.givethemten.org/
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