Shortly after the veterinary college’s Animal Cancer Care and Research Center opened in August 2020 in Roanoke, Virginia, a special opportunity arose: The PetCo Foundation—now known as PetCo Love—and its campaign partner, Blue Buffalo, invited the college to apply for newly created grants for veterinary school hospitals with cancer treatment programs.

After application review by PetCo Love, the Animal Cancer Center was awarded a $75,000 grant to provide financial assistance to pet owners who may not be able to pay for some or all of the cancer diagnostic tests and treatment for their dogs and cats.

Separate from the compassionate care funds available at the college’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Blacksburg, funding provided by this annual grant will be used at the discretion of the Animal Cancer Center's clinicians. Depending on the case, the circumstances, and the funds available, treatment costs may be covered partially or fully.

The collaboration between PetCo and Blue Buffalo provides critical funding to offset the toll that cancer takes on so many dogs and cats—and their human families—each year.

“Pet cancer is the No. 1 disease-related killer of dogs and cats, and a devastating diagnosis for pet parents who cannot afford treatment for their pets,” said Susanne Kogut, president of PetCo Love. “With all the strides being made in the veterinary oncology field increasing treatment options for our pets, our goal is to make these lifesaving treatments available to more pets and their pet parents.”

The funds not only change the lives of pets and their owners, but also improve the outlook for veterinary professionals who can help even more pets when costs might otherwise preclude such treatment, Kogut said.

Learn more about PetCo Love at www.petcolove.org.