ONE TAIL AT A TIME RECEIVES $100,000 GRANT FROM PETSMART CHARITIES TO ADDRESS LACK OF ACCESSIBLE VETERINARY CARE IN HISTORICALLY EXCLUDED COMMUNITIES
September 9, 2024 — Chicago, IL – Local animal rescue One Tail at a Time (OTAT) has received a grant from PetSmart Charities® in the amount of $100,000 for OTAT’s Pet Mutual Aid program to address barriers in accessing veterinary care in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham, Chatham, and Grand Crossing neighborhoods.
Rising costs combined with geographical, cultural and other barriers have left many communities out of the veterinary care system altogether. The Incubator grant program supports innovative and culturally relevant veterinary programs targeted toward historically excluded communities across the U.S.
While 70% of American households include pets, access to basic veterinary services has not kept pace. Pets are universally considered important family members and keeping them together requires resources that are often missing. This is particularly felt in many underserved communities where not only cost, but geography and systemic inequities have left veterinary care beyond reach. Early in 2023, PetSmart Charities, the top funder of animal welfare in the country, committed $100 million over the next five years toward improving access to veterinary care. The Incubator grants focus on historically excluded communities, many of which lack access to community supports, including veterinary services.
One Tail at a Time’s Pet Mutual Aid has been chosen as part of this year’s Incubator grantees, designed to give veterinary organizations a one-year runway to build relationships with and deepen their understanding of their partner community. Tasked with enlisting support of local changemakers, the grantees agree to co-creating models of care alongside communities.
“At One Tail at a Time, we celebrate the powerful bond between pets and their families,” said Heather Owen, executive director at One Tail at a Time. “This grant supports Pet Mutual Aid’s efforts to bridge the gaps that many neighbors across Chicago face in accessing adequate veterinary care. Our goal is to keep pets happy and healthy at home with the families that love them. After all, it’s not rescue if they already have a home. OTAT’s Pet Mutual Aid program works hand-in-hand with our rescue and adoption programs to support Chicago animal shelters. ”
“Most people today consider pets family, yet nearly 1 in 3 Americans face challenges in accessing even basic preventative care such as spay/neuter procedures, vaccinations and annual exams,” said Kate Atema, director of community grants & initiatives at PetSmart Charities. “While this issue affects families in nearly every community, those who have been historically excluded from human social services are most in need of pet services. We’re proud to be contributing to care that meets the unique needs identified by those living in the communities themselves.”
One Tail at a Time’s Pet Mutual Aid is hosting a free vaccine clinic on Saturday, September 14th at 7500 S. Stewart Ave, Chicago, IL 60620. For more information on upcoming events, pet care resources, and heart-warming stories from our community, follow Pet Mutual Aid on Instagram at @petmutualaidchi. Community members seeking pet assistance can learn more about accessing Pet Mutual Aid services at onetail.org/petmutualaid or by emailing [email protected].
Media Contact:
One Tail at a Time
Maggie Hudson
Director of Development
[email protected]
24-Hour PetSmart Charities Media Line: 623-587-2177
