Veterans, who often rely on the companionship of their pets for therapeutic assistance, emotional support and companionship, are among the populations that will benefit from a recent grant received by The Arizona Pet Project (submitted photo).
The Arizona Pet Project recently received a $150,000 grant from the Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation to support and expand its services through partner organizations, including those focused on veterans with pets. Dedicated to keeping pets with the people who love them most during times of crisis, The Arizona Pet Project provides critical services and resources to vulnerable community members.
The unrestricted grant funds will bolster the organization’s ability to meet the growing demand for pet-inclusive support services across the state. As housing insecurity and homelessness continue to rise, many individuals, including veterans, face the heartbreaking choice between accessing essential human services and caring for their beloved animal companions. The Arizona Pet Project’s model works to eliminate that choice by ensuring both people and their pets receive the care and resources they need.
The Arizona Pet Project collaborates closely with a diverse range of social service and veteran support organizations to remove barriers to care for individuals and their pets in crisis. Through key partnerships with UMOM New Day Centers, Central Arizona Shelter Services, Keys to Change in the Valley and in Tucson, Primavera and STAR Village, the organization provides services including emergency veterinary care, pet food and supplies, support meeting housing requirements (such as vaccines and licensing), temporary boarding and more – all aimed at keeping families together
Veterans, who often rely on the companionship of their pets for therapeutic assistance, emotional support and companionship, are among the populations served. The Arizona Pet Project bridges a vital gap by providing case management, veterinary care, pet-related financial assistance, and rapid support that allows veterans to meet shelter and housing requirement – services that have directly prevented delays in safety and stability.
For more information about The Arizona Pet Project and its work to support Arizona’s most vulnerable pet families, visit www.azpetproject.org.
