Petco and Blue Buffalo continue pet cancer research

The Petco Foundation and Blue Buffalo Foundation have raised a total of US$13 million in contributions for pet cancer research and treatment since 2010.

(Tom Wang | BigStock.com)
(Tom Wang | BigStock.com)

To kick off Pet Cancer Awareness Month in May 2018, the Petco Foundation and Blue Buffalo Foundation announced a total of US$13 million in contributions for pet cancer research and treatment since the annual campaign began in 2010.

Now in its ninth year, the campaign focuses on helping families affected by pet cancer pay for treatment as well as funding innovative research programs.

The Pet Cancer Awareness Campaign’s goal is to raise an additional US$2.5 million in funding and assistance during the 2018 campaign.

According to the campaign, approximately 6 million dogs and nearly the same number of cats are impacted by cancer each year. The Petco Foundation and Blue Buffalo Foundation invest in pet cancer research at veterinary oncology universities like Tufts University and University of Pennsylvania (UPenn).  One example of innovation is UPenn’s Canine Mammary Tumor Program, a research study that also provides cancer treatment for shelter dogs with mammary tumors.

Details of the Pet Cancer Awareness Campaign

In addition to supporting research, funds raised in the campaign help families fight their pet’s cancer. Investments in seven university veterinary oncology centers and other treatment funds  assist families by covering the cost of cancer treatment for their pets.

More recently, the foundations have partnered with Canines-N-Kids, an organization committed to bringing minds together to create a more collaborative approach to research. Their approach works to move comparative oncology solutions forward to cure the cancers that impact both kids and dogs.

From May 5­–27, 2018, pet lovers can donate in Petco and Unleashed by Petco stores or online, and by sharing knowledge about the early warning signs of pet cancer and how they fight pet cancer using the hashtag #FightPetCancer.

Blue Buffalo will host special awareness events taking place in Petco and Unleashed by Petco stores across the US on Saturday May 5 and Saturday May 19. Pet parents can pick up a free "10 warning signs of pet cancer" magnet and samples of Blue Buffalo’s Wilderness treats.

In addition, the Petco Foundation will host panel events during May on Facebook with the families of pet cancer survivors as well as those who are at the forefront of research to find a cure for pet cancer.

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