#United States #Veterinary Care #Incline Village #Pet Care #Duffield Foundation

A Major Leap Forward in Veterinary Care Accessibility

In a remarkable move to enhance the well-being of pets across the United States, the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation has launched a major initiative named the "Duffield Big Bet for Pets." This monumental commitment involves an investment of $250 million over the next five years aimed at bridging the accessibility gap in veterinary care for family pets. The initiative is hailed as one of the largest private philanthropic investments directed at expanding nonprofit community veterinary services.

For over three decades, Dave and Cheryl Duffield have remained dedicated advocates for pets in need. They are the founders of Maddie’s Fund®, a significant force in supporting companion animal organizations and particularly focus on shelters. The new initiative, Big Bet for Pets, is a continuation of this legacy, specifically targeting the access to veterinary care gap that affects approximately 50 million dogs and cats in the United States. Many pets are not receiving necessary routine, preventive, and lifesaving care due to financial constraints that make accessing veterinary services a challenge for countless families.

"Pets are integral members of our families, and they require veterinary care to maintain long, healthy lives," stated Dave Duffield, co-founder of the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation. He emphasized that for too many families, such care is difficult to access or afford. The Big Bet for Pets initiative seeks to invest in a stronger framework of care, ensuring that these cherished animals have the services they need.

The new initiative builds on an earlier commitment by PetSmart Charities, which pledged $100 million in 2023 to alleviate the crisis of veterinary care access. The Duffield Big Bet for Pets aims to support community organizations that are actively working to expand access to veterinary services for pets. This will include investing in research and strategies to help close the care gap while also amplifying the crucial work done by organizations that provide veterinary services to those pets in need.

Throughout the next five years, the incentives will be rolled out in the form of various investments and grant opportunities. Initiatives such as the Duffield Boost Grants will provide a total of $2.5 million for nonprofit community veterinary care providers, awarding 250 grants of $10,000 each. Additionally, Expanding Access Grants will create a $10 million fund for significant multi-year grants targeted at established nonprofit community veterinary clinics keen to broaden their capacity to serve more pets.

Detailed information regarding both funding opportunities can be found on the Foundation's official website, duffieldfoundation.org.

Amy Mills, vice president of access to care at the Foundation, remarked, "The lack of access to affordable veterinary care stands as one of the pressing challenges faced by pets and the families that love them. Through Big Bet for Pets, we are committed to fostering a future where every pet can receive the veterinary attention they require and every family can care for their beloved animals."

About the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation

Founded in 2016, the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation endeavors to continue the Duffield family's legacy of supporting transformative programs and services aimed at improving the lives of both animals and humans. The foundation focuses on three key areas: pairing Veterans with service dogs, expanding access to veterinary care for companion animals, and fortifying local public service organizations. Together with Maddie's Fund®—a national leader in enhancing the welfare of shelter animals—and Liberty Dogs™, a service dog training facility catering to military Veterans coping with PTSD, the Duffield Foundation plays a crucial role in promoting animal welfare. For further details about their commendable work, please visit duffieldfoundation.org.