CENTRAL VIRGINIA PETS: Petco Foundation aiding animals

Americans shake their heads when they read about Prozac, daycare and designer duds for our furry friends. But if all of America’s dogs and cats were living the proverbial dog’s life, there wouldn’t be a need for charities like the Petco Foundation.

Petco Foundation celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Started by its national chain namesake of pet stores, the foundation is a separate nonprofit entity that has taken “on a life of its own,” says Executive Director Paul Jolly.

The first year the foundation raised $1 million to help pets and their people; last year $8 million. Lifetime total: more than $53 million. That money has benefited 6,200 animal welfare groups and government agencies, ranging from mom and pop groups to large organizations.

“About 90 percent of our groups are very small. They do the heavy lifting of saving animals. They are more numerous and more hands-on than the larger groups,” Jolly said. “Giving $1,000 to a small group will change their world.”

The foundation has seen success this year despite the bad economy.

“We’re seeing increases over last year’s fundraising. The word is out that individuals need to step up and help animals. Loving animals resonates with people,” Jolly said.

Foundation donations come from individuals, Petco and other companies, and Petco vendors.

Jolly dismisses people grumping about funneling resources to animals. “No animal ever calls in for help; it’s always people calling,” he said.

Half of the money the foundation doles out goes to spay/neuter programs. “We need to shut off the supply of dogs and cats, and then focus on adoption,” he said.

The country has hit a plateau in reducing the euthanasia rate for cats and dogs.

“The focus now is on the South,” he said. “We need to get our message out there. …

“Our fundraising efforts are least effective in the South, too. They need exposure to the message that spay/neuter is the answer. They’re getting there.”

Virginia euthanized nearly 85,000 dogs and cats in shelters or government facilities during 2008. That figure was 106,000 in 2007 and 114,000 in 2006.

Petco Foundation recently teamed up with Feeding America, a group that provides food to low-income people. The partnership provides pet food to people who cannot afford to feed their animals.

Jolly is optimistic. While he doesn’t foresee the demand for Petco Foundation donations to disappear in his lifetime, “It’s not all gloom and doom.

“We have made great strides. I would like our work to be less emergency-driven and, instead, focus on how to make lives better rather than how to save animal lives. I see it getting better, though.”

He also remains excited about helping people and their pets. When asked what the world would be like without pets, Jolly laughs in mock incredulity. “Oh, what a life that would be!”

To donate, visit http://www.petco.com and click on the Foundation link or mail to Petco Foundation, 7262 North Rosemead Blvd., San Gabriel, CA 91775

Cell phone recycling program to benefit the Petco Foundation: Mail old cell phones and accessories; there are downloadable mailing labels on the Web site that would make it free of charge. Or mail old phones to Cell Phone Recycling Center, 2555 Bishop Circle W, Dexter, MI 48130-9830. (Specify that the cell phones are being given for the Petco Foundation program.)

Area animal welfare groups are welcome to apply for funds from the Petco Foundation.