According to a Feb. 3 news release from the foundation, the Houston SPCA was recently selected as a new animal shelter partner for the foundation, which sponsors a portion of the pet adoption fee and veterinary care for adults age 60 and older who adopt a dog or cat from participating animal shelters. The national nonprofit currently has 55 participating shelters in 34 states and is on the brink of having sponsored 100,000 animal adoptions since its inception in 1992.
"We are thrilled to have the Houston SPCA join our network," PEF Executive Director Susan Kurowski said in a statement. "Their strong presence, providing both animal refuge, community services and education makes them an excellent partner, as we work to expand the availability of our program in Texas."
According to the release, the PEF was established with a two-pronged purpose of providing companionship for aging adults while also saving the lives of companion animals in shelters.
The foundation recently expanded its grant program to include animal care assistance and veterinary services at participating shelters that apply for the grant—including the Houston SPCA. The organization aims to secure a participating shelter in all 50 states by the end of 2021, the release stated.
"We all know what pets can do for people but the overwhelming feeling of isolation can be too much for homebound seniors. Having a new pet to care for and love will give them hope, while it also gives a homeless pet a second chance in life," said Jo Sullivan, the chief community and development officer at the Houston SPCA, in a statement.
According to a news release from the Houston SPCA, the foundation's $5,000 gift will support adoption and retention services for the Houston SPCA and BakerRipley's Pets for Seniors program, which launched Dec. 15. In this program, the Houston SPCA provides virtual adoption consultations and matches homebound seniors with a cat or kitten, followed up by a delivery of startup supplies, including cat litter and cat food. Like the PEF, the program's goal is to reduce depression and increase physical and mental activity with the adopter while saving animal lives.
For more information about adopting an animal from the Houston SPCA, call 713-869-7722, or click here.
