By Lindsay Walker
Twitter: @AzNewsmedia

PetSmart Charities, which has been dubbed the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, will commit up to $1 million in grants to support designated responding agencies working on the front lines to help pets and families in areas impacted by Hurricane Ida.

Funding is activated to support relief, response and recovery efforts of owned pets in the event of largescale disasters in the U.S. and Canada, according to a PetSmart news release. Funding often goes toward shelter, supplies, infrastructure, reunification efforts and will support volunteers and staff members working in impacted areas. The funding can also fulfill immediate needs, including kennels, crates, pet food, vaccinations and necessary veterinary care.

“As the full extent of damages caused by Hurricane Ida are still being assessed, we know that response and recovery will take time,” said Aimee Gilbreath, President of PetSmart Charities, in a prepared statement. “Many families with pets and animal shelters were already facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are stretched to their limits.

Grant funding from Phoenix- based PetSmart will help provide essential care to pet families and displaced pets in the areas impacted by this devastating storm. We want to help keep people and their pets together during the most difficult times.”

To date, PetSmart Charities has donated more than $319,000 to organizations making an impact on the ground in disaster areas toward the $1 million commitment. The Louisiana SPCA, Louisiana Search and Rescue Team and Mississippi Animal Rescue Team are among the first grant recipients, along with current adoption partners and grantees hit hardest by the storm.

As of Sept. 3, disaster relief groups can submit grant applications to PetSmart Charities. The grants are open to national and local designated response agencies serving pets including nonprofit and municipal animal shelters, rescues, food banks, and veterinary clinics. PetSmart Charities will fund up to $1 million in grants, provided that qualifi ed applications for that amount are received.

For more information on grant eligibility and to apply for an emergency relief grant from PetSmart Charities, visit www.PetSmartCharities.­org/pro.

Anyone interested in supporting these emergency relief efforts can make donations at the cash register of every PetSmart store or online at www.petsmartcharities. org/donate.