Shelters & Animal Welfare

Mission Pet Health and Operation Kindness have launched a surgical mentorship program in North Texas that will train more than 450 early-career veterinarians while providing up to 10,000 annual spay and neuter procedures for shelter pets.

The ASPCA has named the first recipients of its Veterinary Scholarship Program, awarding financial support to 41 veterinary and veterinary technician students committed to careers in animal welfare. The initiative aims to strengthen the nonprofit veterinary workforce by reducing educational debt and expanding access to veterinary care in underserved communities.

RxActuator has appointed seven veterinary specialists to its inaugural Clinical Advisory Board, a move aimed at accelerating adoption of wearable drug infusion technology that allows certain patients to receive continuous-rate infusion therapy at home rather than in the hospital.

Odie and Haven Pet Insurance have partnered to expand pet insurance access through apartment communities and animal shelters, a move aimed at increasing coverage rates and helping pet owners better manage rising veterinary care costs.

PetSmart Charities has renewed its partnership with the American Red Cross through a new $2.8 million grant aimed at helping families keep pets safe during emergencies, while expanding access to pet-friendly shelters, disaster assistance, and preparedness resources nationwide.

The ASPCA has announced $14 million in grant funding for animal shelters and spay/neuter providers nationwide, aiming to address shelter overcrowding, veterinary workforce shortages and limited access to affordable sterilization services.

Pet Partners has opened registration for the 2026 World’s Largest Pet Walk, a global fundraising event supporting the organization’s therapy animal programs. The event is scheduled for Sept. 26 and allows participants to walk individually or as part of a team from any location.

The pet wellness franchise has assembled a team of behavior and veterinary experts to help standardize canine care, enrichment and behavior support across its growing daycare network.

Dechra will distribute nearly $80,000 in charitable donations to 24 nonprofit organizations across the United States through its employee-led Charitable Giving Program. Heartland Therapeutic Riding and Muttville Senior Dog Rescue were selected as the program’s top recipients, receiving $10,000 each.

The 10th annual Pet Anxiety Awareness Month campaign is underway with expanded educational programming aimed at helping pet owners recognize and manage anxiety-related behaviors in dogs and cats during summer fireworks, storms, travel, and other stress-inducing events.