PEDIGREE Foundation expands programs into Canada

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PEDIGREE Foundation announced it is launching its Canadian Grant Program to help end pet homelessness. This annual program is committing $100,000 in 2022 grant awards that will support 8 Canadian shelters and rescue organizations in need.

We know firsthand from our work with shelters and rescues that support is needed now more than ever,” explained Debra Fair, Executive Director of the PEDIGREE Foundation, in an organizational release.¹ "Length of stay is increasing for dogs at shelters, and our expansion of programs for the first time outside the U.S. to Canada is a critical first step in addressing the growing shelter crisis across North America. We are proud to be able to provide support for Canadian shelters who are working tirelessly to help find every dog the loving home they deserve, in the face of increasingly difficult conditions."

According to the release, this is the first time the PEDIGREE Foundation is expanding grant activities to Canada with hopes to increase dog adoptions within the country. The following shelters from across Canada will receive the 2022-2023 grand funding¹:

• Animal Rescue Foundation in Calgary, AB
• Cochrane & Area Humane Society in Cochrane, AB
• Coveted Canines and Creatures Rescue in Toronto, Ontario
• Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward (formerly Quinte Humane Society) in Belleville, ON
• Niagara Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals & Humane Society in Welland, ON
• Oakville & Milton Humane Society in Oakville, ON
• Ontario SPCA & Humane Society Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON
• The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth in Stratford, ON

These grants will focus on supporting the selected organizations to develop programs that show a significant increase in dog adoptions such as matching and behavior programs, transport programs, and support in remote communities.

"No one in our community should have to give up their beloved pet because they can't afford food. When the pandemic hit, members of the community often found they had to choose between feeding themselves or their animal. In response, we created the OMHS Pet Food Bank which has become an essential service in helping pets, mainly dogs and cats, stay with their families,” expressed Rick Perciante, executive director at Oakville & Milton Humane Society.

“Through our community agency partners, OMHS provides a "one-stop shop" for both human and pet food clients in human food programs. The funding will enable us to expand our food bank so even more dogs receive nutritious and reliable meals, which will also help reduce the number of families needing to surrender their dog. On behalf of the dogs waiting for their forever home, thank you to the PEDIGREE Foundation for their incredible support,” he concluded.¹

Reference

PEDIGREE Foundation announces expansion of programs into Canada, with launch of inaugural Canadian Grant Program to help end pet homelessness. News release. Mars Petcare. October 18, 2022. Accessed October 20, 2022. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pedigree-foundation-announces-expansion-of-programs-into-canada-with-launch-of-inaugural-canadian-grant-program-to-help-end-pet-homelessness-852998108.html