Banfield Charitable Trust Awards $1 Million in Free Healthcare to Families Nationwide (May 2005)
PORTLAND, Ore. ~ In 2005, the Banfield Charitable Trust (BCT) will reach out to more than 3,000 low-income families in the U.S. with free preventive Pet health care. Partnering with Banfield, The Pet Hospital, the BCT program will distribute more than $1 million dollars worth of free vaccines and preventive care services to families in need. This is the first time Banfield hospitals have had the opportunity to donate to clients and Pets in need on a local level through the Trust.
“We’re excited about this opportunity to help so many families,” said Sandy Campbell, President of the Banfield Charitable Trust. “We believe that accessibility to quality preventive health care will go a long way toward keeping Pets healthy, happy and with their families for as long as possible. With regular office visits and comprehensive exams, problems can be detected early – meaning a longer, healthier life for the Pet. Unfortunately, many families aren’t able to afford even the basic cost of preventive healthcare for their Pets, so we are excited about awarding these free Wellness Plan packages to the families most in need.”
By the end of calendar year 2005, each of Banfield’s current 450 hospitals nationwide, and the 90 additional hospitals scheduled to open by the end of the year, will receive at least five BCT Wellness Plans each. Hospital teams will work together to choose the recipients of the free Wellness Plans, which they may award at their discretion to existing low-income clients of their neighborhood Banfield. These clients must have Pets who are in good general health, have good track records as caregivers, and be able to provide their Pets a permanent home. At no cost to these clients, their Pets will receive all the benefits of the BCT Wellness Plans, which cover preventive care services and vaccines for one year. Banfield team members, PETsMART associates and the immediate family members of team members or associates are not eligible to receive a BCT Wellness Plan.
“The mission of the Charitable Trust is to take what Banfield already is doing for Pets and families beyond the walls of the hospital into the communities,” said Campbell. “We believe we can make a difference in the future for Pets, families and veterinary medicine.”
The Banfield Charitable Trust was founded in 2003 to give back to families in communities served by Banfield, the Pet Hospital, and to help advance veterinary medicine. In addition to providing preventive care to clients in need, the Charitable Trust also supports childhood education about caring for Pets, veterinary education programs, and programs based on the human-Pet bond. The IRS has recognized the Banfield Charitable Trust as a 501(c)(3) public charity that is tax exempt. All donations are tax deductible. Visit www.banfieldcharitabletrust.net to learn more.
Banfield, The Pet Hospital is celebrating its golden anniversary in 2005. Founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1955, Banfield has become the largest privately owned veterinary practice in the world, with 450 locations across the U.S., in the U.K. and in Mexico. Banfield hospitals offer a full-range of comprehensive, medical services, computerized medical records, Pet preventive care plans, extended operating hours, and an extensive quality assurance program. Banfield, The Pet Hospital helps extend the lives of more than 3.5 million Pets each year.
For more information about The Banfield Charitable Trust contact Karen Vitt, Public Relations, (503) 290-3712, karen.vitt@banfield.net