Raising funds for Important Research and Treatment at Forefront of Petco and Blue Buffalo Foundations Collaboration
To kick off Pet Cancer Awareness Month in May, the Petco Foundation and Blue Buffalo Foundation unveiled a total of US$13 million/£9.6 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 critical, innovative research programmes.
The Pet Cancer Awareness Campaign‘s goal is to raise an additional US$2.5 million/£1.85 million in funding and assistance during the 2018 campaign.
“We know the fight against pet cancer is important to millions of pet owners. Pets are family, and our love for pets is why we strive for new medical treatments and therapies to assure our pets live longer sharing their love with us.
“Investing in lifesaving pet cancer research and treatments is crucial to creating the best life for our pets,” said Susanne Kogut, President of the Petco Foundation.
Estimates suggest 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 leading veterinary oncology universities like Tufts University and University of Pennsylvania (UPenn).
One innovative example is UPenn’s Canine Mammary Tumour Programme – a unique research study that also provides cancer treatment for shelter dogs with mammary tumours.
In addition to supporting vital research, funds raised in the campaign help families fight their pet’s cancer. Investments in seven university veterinary oncology centres 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 organisation committed to bringing the brightest minds together to create a more united and collaborative approach to research.
Their approach works to move comparative oncology solutions forward to cure the devastating cancers that impact both kids and dogs.
“Blue Buffalo and the Blue Buffalo Foundation have been committed to finding a cure for pet cancer since our inception.
“We are excited about collaborative efforts, together with Petco and the Petco Foundation, to raise funds for research, increase awareness of cancer warning signs and help pet parents with the cost of pet cancer treatment,” said David Petrie, President of Blue Buffalo Foundation.
From 5 to 27 May, pet lovers are encouraged to join Blue Buffalo and the Petco Foundation in the fight against pet cancer by donating 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 5 May and Saturday 19 May. 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 the month 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.
