If the first DFW Pets Are Family event of 2023 was any indication, it's clear these resources are essential lifelines for the community!
As volunteers arrived before sunrise to set up, a line of cars had already formed; pet families making their way to the event early to ensure their pets got what they needed. By the afternoon, the line of cars stretched more than a mile down the road, and even when this meant the wait for food and vaccines could last more than an hour, car after car flagged volunteers down just to say thank you - and to show off some of the cutest pets we've ever seen!
All told, more than 18,000 lbs of food were provided to pet families. The need for veterinary care was so great that supplies ran out! Luckily, clients were able to be directed to an upcoming vaccine clinic - another chance to form connections with these incredible families.
***CHECK OUT THE IMPACT REPORT IN THE UPDATES BELOW FOR THE FULL PICTURE OF EVERYTHING WE DID THAT DAY***
With more than 2,344 pets registered for the event but just 1,401 receiving services, we know more work is ahead of us. Perhaps some families couldn't get to this particular location, perhaps some other part of daily life got in the way...regardless, with THREE MORE EVENTS scheduled this year, we plan to connect with those 943 pets who didn't make it to us - AND MORE. These events run off donations and the goodwill of those who believe that pets and their people are worth fighting for. Your donation today will help us reach even more pets at our next DFW Pets Are Family event in early June. Please consider sending an item or two off our wishlist and helping a community that so clearly loves its animals. And don't forget to scroll through our photos to see the pets and people we met!
👇 Need a reminder of where we started? Take a look at our original wishlist plea below 👇
Pets belong at home with the people who love them, not in shelters because times are hard.
But with times tougher than ever, more and more people are struggling, and shelters and rescues across the country and in the Dallas Fort Worth area are feeling the impact. At just one shelter in the DFW metropolitan area, pet intakes increased by nearly 10%, last year, compared to 2021. At our own clinics, we provided more than 10,000 animals with low and no cost veterinary wellness services in 2022, an 85% increase compared to the year prior; 5,950 animals were assisted with food and supplies - an astounding 495% increase from 2021.
The situation for pet families in our area is URGENT!
When families have trouble accessing resources and feel like there are no options, they are more likely to make desperate decisions and pets can end up being surrendered, even when they are so loved. Last year, a collective of area organizations, including ours, came together. Supported by CUDDLY, we provided almost 100,000 lbs of food, plus free medical services and supplies to local families. Even so, it was a drop in the bucket compared to the need.
That's why we've committed again to participate in the DFW Pets Are Family events in 2023, with four events total. Our goal is to make the most impact by providing the community what they need to stay together. Families shouldn't be separated when all they need is a little bit of help.
Signing up for the Full Bowls Club during check out will allow you to make an impact and support all four of our events each year. With a monthly commitment of just $15, you will provide 10 FAMILIES with the food they need to keep their kitties at home with them.