VCA Charities and Hills Pet Nutrition came together on December 14th, 2016 to celebrate the giving of its 1.5 millionth meal to pets in need through the Pet Food Pantry Program. The celebration took place in New York at the All Souls Church and marked a significant milestone for the program.
About the Pet Food Pantry Program
VCA Charities created the Pet Food Pantry Program in 2010 to help pet parents continue to care for their pets during times of financial hardship. With the support of Hills Pet Nutrition, the Pet Food Pantry Program has grown to over 30 locations in the United States and Canada since it’s start 6 years ago.
“We started the Pet Food Pantry program to provide healthy, nutritious pet food to families who could not otherwise afford it in the local communities we serve,” said Art Antin, Chief Operating Officer for VCA Animal Hospitals. “By providing these 1.5 million free meals, we have helped many families in need hold on to the loving and comforting bond their pets provide.”
Celebrating 1.5 Million Meals Served
The event brought together the many people who work together to make the Pet Food Pantry Program possible for pet owners. The VCA team includes Art Antin, Chief Operations Officer, Ron Tatum, Executive Director of Charities, Brandon Antin, Director of Innovations and the local VCA managers who facilitate and volunteer at their local Pet Food Pantries. The VCA team was thrilled to have the Hill’s team attend the event, including their President of Hill’s Pet Nutrition North America, Kostas Kontopanos.
“Our mission at Hill’s is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets,” said Kostas Kontopanos, President of Hill’s Pet Nutrition, North America. “We want to help transform lives, and this partnership with VCA Charities enables us to do that by keeping pets with their families during a time of need, when unconditional love is needed most.”
Special Guests and Recognition
Agent Jeff Perryman of the ATF talks about protecting those who are unable to protect themselves.
Also in attendance at the 1.5 Million Meals event,a true K-9 hero named Ike and his human, Jeff Perryman. Jeff is an ATF federal agent who works closely with his partner Ike, often in dangerous situations. This canine partner can use all of his senses to help increase safety for the agent. Ike can also be very gentle and mingle like the best of us!
ATF K9 Ike regally sits and awaits the event to begin.
Towards the end of the event, it was important to recognize not only all of the people who helped to create and support the program, but also All Souls Church who opened their doors to VCA Charities and Hill’s Pet Nutrition for the day. In addition, Kostas Kontopanos, President of Hill’s Pet Nutrition North America, and Art Antin, Chief Operating Officer of VCA proudly presented a check to All Souls Church for their support. All Souls Church will be one of the newest Pet Food Pantries in the local NYC beginning in Summer of 2017.
About VCA Charities
VCA Charities is a 501(c)(3) with a mission to end medically unnecessary euthanasia. Established in 2005 by the founders of VCA Animal Hospitals, VCA Charities has helped feed thousands of pets, provided free medical treatment, and donated time and money to pet charities globally. Please visit the VCA Charities website and blog to find out the most up-to-date information about VCA Charities and its programs at www.VCAcharities.org.
About Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hills’ mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. The right nutrition combined with the devotion of veterinary professionals can transform the lives of pets; and healthier and happier pets can transform the lives of pet parents. Hill’s is dedicated to pioneering research and groundbreaking nutrition for dogs and cats based on a scientific understanding of their specific needs. HILL’S® Prescription Diet® therapeutic pet foods, HILL’S® Science Diet® and HILL’S® Ideal Balance™ wellness pet foods are sold through veterinarians and pet specialty retailers worldwide. For more information about Hill’s, our products and our nutritional philosophy, visit us at HillsPet.com, HillsVet.com or Facebook, keywords “Hill’s Pet Nutrition.”
Contacts
Hill’s
Edisa Chacin, (785) 368-5946
[email protected]
or
VCA Charities
Ron Tatum, VCA Charities Executive Director
[email protected]