PETCO supports efforts to increase human and animal bonding.
A glance at the statistics shows that a large number of Americans value pet ownership. The 2009 -- 2010 National Pets Survey reveals that 39 percent of households in the United States have one or more dogs, and 33 percent of households have at least one cat. Several organizations and companies work to provide funding for those that support animal welfare throughout the nation. The pet-supplies retailer, PETCO, offers such grants through the PETCO Foundation.
History
The PETCO Foundation has provided funding to animal organizations since 1999. In addition to providing grants to animal welfare groups, this nonprofit organization also supports animal rescue efforts, adoption events, pet-ownership education programs and spay/neuter efforts. The foundation works with local, state and national organizations as well as sponsors its own events in PETCO stores. Goals of the foundation include raising funds and spreading awareness about pet adoption, breed-specific needs and pet health issues.
Function
The PETCO Foundation donates $8 million to animal welfare causes and organizations each year (as of 2010). Approximately 85 percent of each dollar donated goes directly to animal programs. In addition, PETCO provides financial support in the form of grants to more than 6,500 organizations throughout the United States, according to the foundation's 2009 fiscal report on grant donation.
Types
The PETCO Foundation offers four types of grants. Capital grants are used for the construction and equipment needs of animal welfare organizations, such as vehicles and building repairs. Organizations who are awarded a product support grant receive needed PETCO products donated by the foundation. The needed quantity is sent to a local PETCO store for pickup. The other two grants are connected with PETCO programs: We Are Family Too and 4 Rs Project. We Are Family Too grants provide assistance to organizations who work with financially struggling pet owners. The 4 Rs Project grant funds efforts such as adoption, spay/neuter, training, animal therapy, veterinary care and education.
Application Process
Organizations applying for PETCO grants go through a two-step process. They must first submit a letter of inquiry that identifies their mission statement, which grant they are applying for and why they need support or funding. They must also supply IRS tax forms documenting their nonprofit status. Once the foundation approves this information, organizations can then complete the grant application. Organizations should receive notification of whether they are receiving the grant within eight to 12 weeks after applying.
Considerations
While the PETCO Foundation does support a number of animal welfare causes, it does not provide funding for wildlife rehabilitation or horse rescue. In addition, grant funding cannot be used to pay salaries to organizations' administrators or workers. If an organization is requesting a product support grant for food, PETCO recommends providing back-up options in the event that the distribution center does not have the first choice.
Tags: animal welfare, PETCO Foundation, animal welfare causes, grants through, percent households, product support, product support grant