22 Jul MCCF Awards Grant to Expand Pet Services
The Miami County Community Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to Pet Friendly Services of Indiana to expand affordable spay and neuter services for pet owners in Miami County.
The funding will help address gaps in veterinary access, reduce shelter overcrowding, and prevent pet homelessness by increasing access to prevention-focused care. The grant will also support both cats and dogs through a combination of financial assistance for pet owners and partnerships with local animal welfare organizations.
Of the grant funding, $2,000 will support the Spay-Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) for cats and dogs, $1,000 will be used for the Open Door Fix Fund for dogs, and the remaining $2,000 will help the Fulton County Animal Center provide surgery appointments for Miami County cat owners. The cat funding alone will make approximately 80 additional spay and neuter surgeries possible by covering a portion of each procedure cost.
Pet Friendly Services of Indiana has worked to prevent pet homelessness since 1977 by increasing access to affordable, high-quality spay and neuter services throughout the state. The organization partners with veterinarians, shelters, rescue organizations, and municipalities to provide preventative services that reduce pet overpopulation and shelter intake before they become larger community challenges.
Indiana communities continue to face barriers to veterinary care, particularly in rural areas where provider shortages, transportation challenges, and financial limitations make preventative care difficult to access. By expanding affordable spay and neuter services, the program aims to reduce unplanned litters, decrease shelter overcrowding, and improve the health and well-being of both pets and the communities they live in.
The project is expected to provide approximately 302 spay and neuter surgeries during 2026. In addition to preventing thousands of future unwanted births, the initiative will help reduce pressure on local shelters, improve access to affordable veterinary care, and strengthen community partnerships focused on addressing canine and feline overpopulation in rural Indiana.
This grant was made possible by MCCF Community Funds, which are currently being matched by $2 for every $1 donated. Donate online or contact MCCF Director of Development, Cheryl Broyles, at 765.470.1778 for more information.
