To kick off Pet Cancer Awareness Month in May, the Petco Foundation and Blue Buffalo Foundation announced a total of US$11 million in contributions for pet cancer research and treatment since the annual campaign began in 2010.
This year's goal is to provide more than US$2 million in additional grants to support pet cancer treatment and research initiatives.
Now in its eighth year, the campaign is focused on helping families affected by pet cancer, a disease that affects one out of every four dogs in the US.
"With approximately 6 million dogs and nearly the same number of cats impacted by cancer each year, we continue to make it a priority to invest in solutions to fight pet cancer, the number one disease-related cause of pet death," said Susanne Kogut, executive director of the Petco Foundation, in a press release. "After losing my own dog to cancer just last month, this fight against pet cancer has really hit home. One pet family battling canine or feline cancer is too many – and we are inspired by the new treatment options our funds have helped support."
Pet cancer research funding in action
Recent investments include US$1 million dedicated to helping families in need cover the cost of cancer treatment, including funds at seven university oncology departments as well as US$1 million for pet cancer studies like the groundbreaking research being conducted to combat osteosarcoma in dogs.
Additional funding has been put toward innovative comparative oncology work like that at Canines-N-Kids, an organization committed to finding a cure for the devastating cancers that impact children and dogs.
From May 6-28, the public can contribute to the Blue Buffalo and the Petco Foundation in the fight against pet cancer by donating in Petco stores or online, and sharing knowledge about the early warning signs of pet cancer. Donations can be made in any amount during checkout in To kick off Pet Cancer Awareness Month in May, the Petco Foundation and Blue Buffalo Foundation announced a total of US$11 million in contributions for pet cancer research and treatment since the annual campaign began in 2010.
