Pets4Life Louisville is honored to be selected as one of only eleven organizations (out of nearly 200 considered) across the USA to be a Petsmart Charities Incubator grantee! This transformative grant brings together a cohort of nonprofit animal welfare organizations, all focused on improving access to veterinary care in predominantly Black communities that have historically been underserved. Our work will concentrate on the 40210 zip code, including the Park Hill, California, and Algonquin neighborhoods.
In collaboration with PetSmart Charities, the Institute for Human-Animal Connection (IHAC) at the University of Denver is providing research and evaluation support. This partnership is vital as we conduct focus groups, interviews, and surveys to directly learn from the community how we can enhance our programs.
Research Update
In mid-April, we successfully conducted our first focus group with 16 participants from the 40210 zip code at The Lord’s Kitchen. The insights gathered have been instrumental in developing a survey designed by IHAC to delve deeper into the community’s experiences with pet and veterinary care. Our goal over the next two months is to complete 200 surveys. These surveys will help us understand the true needs and wants of pet families in our area, enabling us to tailor our services effectively.
Partnership Updates
At Pets4Life Louisville, we believe in the power of collaboration. Our impact is magnified through our partnerships with various organizations, businesses, government groups, and nonprofits. This summer, we’ve been working closely with Louisville Parks & Recreation, Louisville Metro Animal Services, Louisville Metro Housing Authority, Olmsted Parks Conservancy, The Lord’s Kitchen, Dare to Care, Snip-N-Save, and Pet Wants – J-Town. Together, we are creating a robust support network for pet families in the 40210 zip code.
Community Building and Outreach Update
Our efforts are centered around establishing three distinct Pets4Life Petcare Hubs throughout the 40210 area:
- Park Hill Pets4Life Petcare Hub: Focused on the Parkway Place Housing complex and surrounding areas, this hub will provide a small pet resource center.
- The Lord’s Kitchen Petcare Hub: Leveraging the nonprofit’s six-days-a-week events, this hub will be a focal point for pop-up pet resource and care events.
- California Community Center Hub: In the northern part of our target zip code, this hub will offer a dedicated pet resource center with ample space for workshops and educational events.
To date, our outreach efforts have connected us with 118 new pet families, providing support for 208 pets through pet food, treats, leashes, collars, and other supplies. We’ve also partnered with Snip-N-Save to ensure all pets have ID tags, helping them reunite with their families if lost. Additionally, our mobile outreach has assisted 17 pets with urgent needs like vaccinations, deworming, and nail trims.
Looking Ahead
In the next 2-3 months, we will continue to focus on building relationships and conducting research. As we move into the fourth quarter, we hope to pilot new programs based on the results of the research surveys. While we don’t yet know what the solutions will be, our aim is to develop innovative and sustainable ways to provide veterinary care. These pilot programs may include various models for delivering vet care, vaccines, spay/neuter services, and other pet services, potentially utilizing mobile services, televet consultations, and creative transportation solutions to improve access. Additionally, we will seek more volunteers and partnerships to further expand our reach and impact.
If you’re interested in volunteering or partnering with us, please visit our ‘Ways to Help” website page to learn more. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of pets and their families in our community.
Thank you for your continued support!
