10 US pet shelters receive Apoquel grants to treat allergic dermatitis

In recognition of Itchy Pet Awareness Month this August, Zoetis announced¹ the 10 US nonprofit pet shelters and rescues to receive Apoquel (oclacitinib tablet) grants. This medication will provide relief from allergic dermatitis to approximately 100 dogs in each of the shelter’s local communities. The grant program was announced in May in celebration of Apoquel’s 10th anniversary, as it is the most prescribed medicine for effective relief of allergic itch and inflammation in canines suffering from atopic and allergic dermatitis.²

MB SS08-42 / stock.adobe.com

“These grants underscore the exceptional innovation that Zoetis has built in the veterinary dermatology space over the past decade. We’re proud to provide these pet shelters with the support to treat allergic itch for dogs in their care and to encourage healthy pet adoptions in their communities,” expressed Andrew Hillier, BVSc, MANZCVS (Canine Medicine), DACVD, director, specialty and dermatology strategy, veterinary professional services, US petcare at Zoetis.¹ “As we continue to reflect on a decade of groundbreaking advancements in canine dermatology, there’s no better time to emphasize our commitment to enhancing the well-being of the pets that bring such joy, enrichment, and wellness to the lives of their human companions.”

These 10 nonprofit organizations that received grants are¹:

• Aiding 2 Adoption Rescue – Pocatello, Idaho
• Al Van Humane Society – South Haven, Michigan
• Animal Rescue League of Berks County – Birdsboro, Pennsylvania
• Big Dog Ranch Rescue – Shorter, Alabama
• Connecticut Humane Society – Newington, Connecticut
• Gulf Coast Humane Society – Fort Myers, Florida
• Junction City/Geary County Animal Shelter – Junction City, Kansas
• Lewis County Humane Society – Lowville, New York
• Rescue Ranch Inc. – McRae, Georgia
• Women’s Animal Center – Bensalem, Pennsylvania

“Every day, pets come through our doors and often, it’s as a last resort, when their families have nowhere else to turn. Receiving this Apoquel grant from Zoetis doesn’t just help dogs at our shelter, it also demonstrates what consistent veterinary care looks like for the people who love them,” said James Bias, executive director of Connecticut Humane Society, which assists with 2,000 adoptions a year and performs nearly 12,000 pet wellness exams for owned and surrendered animals.¹ “Our commitment is to give pets in need the love, and expert veterinary care they need until their next chapter starts, and this Apoquel grant helps us do exactly that.”

Apoquel has served as an innovative treatment approach for fast relief from allergic itch, which consists of excessive scratching, chewing, and licking in dogs. Veterinarians have now prescribed Apoquel to over 13 million dogs,³ and it is the No. 1 oral medication in dog owner and veterinarian satisfaction^4,5 for allergic dermatitis.

“It is so wonderful to receive such a generous grant from Zoetis. In the counties we serve, we see many dogs with untreated allergic itch, which makes it difficult for them to be adopted” stated Barbara B, president of The Rescue Ranch, Inc, that focuses on offering animal rescue, spay/neuter services and pet health education to rural, underserved counties in the state.¹ “There are no words for how life-changing an Apoquel grant like this will be for the itchy dogs in our care.”

The shelters that received the grant met eligibility criteria, including an annual intake of at least 100 dogs, and were enrolled in Zoetis For Shelters by June 23, 2023.

References

1. Zoetis announces 10 US pet shelters receiving Apoquel® grants. News release. Zoetis. August 15, 2023. Accessed August 15, 2023.
2. Data on file, ZMR: PetTrak US Pruritus MP Zoetis October 2021 – September 2022, Zoetis Services LLC.
3. Data on file, ZMR: Kynetec PetTrak – Pets Since Launch December 2022, Zoetis Services LLC.
4. Data on file, APOQUEL/CYTOPOINT Pet Tracker Wave 9, 2021, Zoetis Services LLC.
5. Data on file, APOQUEL/CYTOPOINT Vet Tracker Wave 13, 2020, Zoetis Services LLC.