2020 has been a difficult year for many families in Dane County. The COVID-19 pandemic has left people suddenly unemployed and facing economic uncertainty. The needs in our community have risen, and our Pets for Life program has stepped up to the challenge. We believe no one should be denied the joy and comfort that comes from the human-animal bond, and this is more important than ever in these trying times. DCHS and our Pets for Life team is working to keep animals with the families they already know and love.
Dane County Humane Society’s Pets for Life (PFL) program, started in 2018, is committed to addressing inequity and lack of access to pet resources in our area’s most underserved communities, working hand-in-hand with the people we serve to meet their needs. PFL provides free wellness care, spay and neuter, flea and tick treatment, pet supplies and food resources. Through door-to-door outreach, our PFL team connects with people to provide support and create long-lasting relationships.
DCHS’s PFL program currently works in the 53713 zip code and Allied Drive neighborhood. Families in these communities face many barriers to services for their beloved pets. These areas are “pet resource deserts,” meaning there are few pet supply stores and vet clinics there. By providing veterinary care, supplies and other resources, PFL is keeping pets healthy and happy in their loving homes and supporting people and animals in our community.
One family PFL has helped keep together is Duane and Chutki. Duane reached out to PFL when Chutki was sick, and an exam determined she would need emergency surgery. Abbi, DCHS’s Pets for Life Coordinator, reached out to vet contacts and they got Chutki the help she needed. Since then Abbi and Duane have stayed in touch, and PFL has been able to provide support when other concerns have arisen. “It was a godsend,” says Duane. You can read more about Duane and Chutki’s story here.
The demand for Pets for Life services is greater than ever before. Since March 2020, Abbi has delivered over 3,500 pounds of pet food and countless supplies directly to people in our community. She makes at least 10 deliveries of food and other essential supplies each week to PFL clients. She and her team have continued to go door-to-door to provide resources to their over 275 clients and continue to bring new clients into the program.
COVID-19 prevented us from hosting our Community Dog Day program, meaning that over 100 dogs in our community did not receive their annual vaccines. Knowing there was a need, Abbi and her team developed a drive-through vaccine clinic for residents in her PFL neighborhoods. PFL clients drove their dogs through and received supplies and vaccines free of charge, helping keep animals in our area healthy and safe.
Between providing services for existing clients, the growing demand from new clients and the need for innovative new services, your support is needed now.
“Everyone deserves the love of a pet,” says Abbi. “Pets for Life is here to keep animals with their loving families.”
Our Pets for Life program is in high demand providing vital resources to these families, and we need your help now more than ever before. Help us keep pets and their loving owners together during this difficult time by making a gift today.
