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The Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation has committed $250 million over five years to expand nonprofit veterinary care for millions of pets across the United States.
The Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation has announced a $250 million commitment over the next five years to improve access to veterinary care for pets across the United States.
The initiative, called Big Bet for Pets, is aimed at addressing financial and other barriers that prevent families from accessing routine, preventive and lifesaving veterinary services for their pets.
According to the foundation, the veterinary care gap affects an estimated 50 million dogs and cats nationwide, with financial barriers leaving many families unable to afford essential treatment.
The commitment is described by the foundation as one of the largest private philanthropic investments focused on expanding access to nonprofit community veterinary care in the US.
Dave and Cheryl Duffield have a long history of supporting animal welfare. The couple founded Maddie’s Fund, a private foundation focused on companion animal organizations, particularly animal shelters.
The Duffields have also provided more than $300 million to organizations working in companion animal support and welfare, according to information provided by the foundation.
“Pets are members of our families, and they need veterinary care to live long, healthy lives,” Dave Duffield said in a statement. He added that veterinary services remain difficult for many families to find or afford.
Through Big Bet for Pets, the foundation plans to support community-based organizations that provide veterinary services, fund research and develop strategies aimed at improving access to care.
The initiative will introduce several investments and grant opportunities over the next five years. Two programs are being launched as part of the initial phase.
The Duffield Boost Grants program will provide a total of $2.5 million through 250 grants worth $10,000 each to nonprofit community veterinary care providers across the country.
A second program, Expanding Access Grants, will establish a $10 million funding pool for established nonprofit community veterinary clinics seeking to expand their capacity and serve more pets.
Amy Mills, vice president of access to care at the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation, said the initiative would focus on making veterinary services more accessible to pets and the families who care for them.
The foundation said the five-year initiative will combine direct grants, research and support for organizations working to address gaps in veterinary care.
The announcement highlights growing philanthropic efforts to help lower-income pet owners obtain essential veterinary services and reduce financial barriers to treatment.
