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Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department (Animal Services) recently announced receipt of a $25,000 PetSmart Charities Preserving Families grant to launch partnerships with social service departments within Miami-Dade County that assist populations experiencing abuse, illness, or homelessness.
The Shortening Animal & Family Estrangement in Transitions (SAFE-T) program is aimed at helping individuals experiencing these difficult situations, who may not seek opportunities for shelter and assistance because they fear losing their pets.
“The stress that pet owners in these trying situations endure is extraordinary and the potential loss of a pet while they get the help that they need shouldn’t be an additional source of anxiety or an obstacle for them to seek the help,” said Alex Muñoz, Animal Services director. “Animal Services is pleased to provide a solution in collaboration with Miami-Dade County’s Human Services Department and the support of PetSmart Charities, which is a catalyst for the SAFE-T program effort.”
Among the SAFE-T resources funded through the grant are enclosures, vaccinations, pet supplies and pet food. These resources serve to facilitate pets being boarded or fostered while their owners receive assistance to help them address their situation.
“We are proud to support Animal Services in its efforts to provide resources for pets and their people during uncertain times,” said Kelly Balthazor, regional relationship manager at PetSmart Charities. “These critical and highly collaborative efforts will ensure pet families remain together as they transition to a safe environment.”
Since 1994, through its partnership with nearly 4,000 humane societies, SPCAs and pet rescues across North America, PetSmart Charities has helped more than 9.5 million pets to find loving homes via its in-store adoption program in over 1,650 PetSmart stores. The leading funder of animal welfare also has donated nearly $430 million to positively impact communities, to help preserve families, to improve access to veterinary care and to connect people and pets through initiatives like this with Animal Services.
Every year Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department (Animal Services) provides care and refuge for 28,000 to 30,000 lost and abandoned dogs and cats. Every day, Animal Services staff works diligently to find lifelong homes for these abandoned animals by facilitating onsite adoptions, hosting off-site adoptions at events and locations throughout the community, and working collaboratively with rescue organizations, volunteers and adoption partners.
For more information call 311 or visit www.miamidade.gov/animals.
