Banfield launches foundation with grant to AVMF

The Banfield Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, launched Oct. 6 with an inaugural $200,000 commitment over three years to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation in support of the AVMF Our Oath in Action initiative.

The Our Oath in Action program connects members of the veterinary profession with volunteer opportunities in their community. This program gives veterinarians, veterinary students, veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, and veterinary staff members the opportunity to reach out and connect to the animal-loving public outside the veterinary hospital. According to a Banfield press release, the inaugural donation demonstrates the Banfield Foundation’s goal of raising awareness for the importance of preventive care.

Lilisa Hall, the newly appointed executive director of the Banfield Foundation, states in the release, “I am honored to be part of a charitable organization that is deeply rooted in making a better world for pets, enriching the communities in which they live and play, and supporting the veterinarians who are passionate about their health and well-being.

“By funding programs such as Our Oath in Action, we are demonstrating our commitment to giving back to communities in need and partnering with organizations dedicated to providing necessary care for pets and their owners.”

Banfield Pet Hospital established the Banfield Foundation in May 2015. While it is a separate nonprofit entity, the Banfield Foundation shares a similar mission and vision with Banfield Pet Hospital in its focus of improving the well-being of pets and communities and the science of veterinary medicine, according to the release. Through grants and service programs, the Banfield Foundation will focus on elevating the power of the human-animal bond, strengthening the animal welfare community, providing disaster relief for pets, and advancing the science of veterinary medicine through fostering innovation and education.

As of the launch, the Banfield Foundation initially will focus on growing two specific programs—Pet Advocacy and Veterinary Assistance grants, according to the release. Both programs fund nonprofit partners and programs aimed at helping keep pets with their families and supporting struggling pet owners in covering the cost of preventive and emergency medical care as well as medications. In partnership with Banfield and its hospitals, the foundation also will focus heavily on programs that support the science of veterinary medicine as well as disaster relief in local communities.

Information about the Banfield Foundation is available here or by following the foundation on Facebook.