Wyndmoor, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/10/2014 -- Sam’s Hope, a non-profit animal welfare organization, was recently awarded a grant for their Veterinary Assistance Program from the Petco Foundation.

Sam’s Hope will use the award to assist elderly pet owners facing economic and health challenges in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Studies show that pet ownership can significantly benefit the elderly in many ways; reduced stress and depression, reduced feeling of loneliness and isolation, and improved health and activity.

Pet ownership can be costly; providing veterinary care for a pet can be cost prohibitive to a senior on a fixed income.

All too often, a senior is forced to make a difficult choice; providing for his or her own basic needs, or the needs of their beloved pet. When it becomes too much of a stretch on their well-being and finances, the pet pays the ultimate price, and is surrendered to a shelter where it faces a very uncertain future.

Millions of companion animals are surrendered to shelters each year. Of these surrenders, approximately 6% were due to the owner’s financial inability to care for the pet.

Our goal is to reduce the surrender of loved and wanted pets due to the owner’s financial inability to provide veterinary care for the pet.

For more information about the Sam’s Hope Veterinary Care Program and our other assistance programs, or to learn how to support these programs, please call 267-753-0510 or visit our website at www.samshope.org.

About Sam’s Hope
Sam’s Hope is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of companion animals by keeping those facing economic and health challenges and their pets together through food, veterinary and other assistance programs.

Founded in 2013, Sam's Hope was inspired by the founder’s beloved dog Samantha, and her awareness of the current economic climate, which forces many pet owners to surrender or abandon their pets.

Our mission is to save the lives of companion animals by keeping them out of shelters, where they face a very uncertain future, and with their families.

Our vision is a world where all pets are well cared for and in a loving home for life.

About Petco Foundation

The Petco Foundation's mission is to raise the quality of life for pets and people who love and need them.

The Petco Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation (#33-0845930) that supports other IRS (Internal Revenue Service) designated non-profit pet related groups as well as municipal/governmental agencies and educational institutions involved in animal causes.