Cat behaviorist and Petfood Forum 2015 keynote speaker Jackson Galaxy has launched The Jackson Galaxy Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit created to better the lives of shelter animals. While Galaxy works primarily with cats, he said his foundation will benefit all shelter pets.
“My work with the Humane Society made me aware of the harsh realities of pet overpopulation,” said Galaxy. “I believe that no animal should die waiting for a home, so the ultimate goal of our organization is to help save the 4 million animals that die in shelters each year.” The Jackson Galaxy Foundation plans to accomplish this mission by working closely with animal shelters, enhancing shelter design and construction while educating staff and adopters on animal behavior—improvements Galaxy said will lead to higher adoption rates. Additionally, the organization will award shelters with monetary and food grants for immediate support.
The foundation’s first major effort comes just in time for the holidays, with the help of Wellness Natural Pet Food. The Massachusetts-based company is providing natural dog and cat food, valued at over US$20,000, for the foundation to grant to shelters with a critical need. Wellness will also provide a monetary donation to further assist the charity in meeting its objectives. “We believe in the Jackson Galaxy Foundation’s mission to improve the lives of shelter pets, and we’re happy to provide food and monetary support to this worthy cause,” said Chanda Leary-Coutu, senior manager of marketing communications for Wellness Natural Pet Food.
Galaxy will deliver the opening keynote at Petfood Forum 2015 on April 28. He will talk about the inspirations for his career, lessons he’s learned from working with cats and their owners and why his primary goal is to help save the 4 million animals that die in shelters each year, working through his Team Cat Mojo campaign and the foundation.
