The Animal Protective Association of Missouri (APA) has been awarded a $25,000 grant from The Grey Muzzle Organization to strengthen local efforts to support vulnerable senior dogs in our community. 

The APA is one of a select group of animal welfare organizations chosen nationwide from a highly competitive applicant pool. The funding will provide more senior pets with access to critical veterinary care and supplies. 

“Over the past several years, we’ve seen more families facing heartbreaking decisions to surrender beloved pets because of financial hardship or other life challenges,” said Sarah Javier, President and CEO of the Animal Protective Association of Missouri. “By providing resources that help people keep their pets at home—whether that’s affordable preventive care, financial assistance for veterinary treatment, or temporary support during a crisis—we’re protecting the human-animal bond while also easing the burden on local shelters. We’re incredibly grateful for this funding as it will allow us to help even more pet families care for their aging companions.” 

One in four pets served through the APA’s community-based vaccine clinics is a senior dog. Seniors also benefit from the APA’s Heads-to-Tails Hope Fund, which provides needs-based financial assistance for veterinary care. About 30% of Hope Fund recipients are over the age of 7. 

The demand for these programs is expected to grow as the APA launches APA North, a new facility located at 11755 Benham Road designed to provide pet owner support services, veterinary care, community programs, and pet adoptions for families in North County and surrounding areas. The APA will strengthen its existing pet owner support programs at APA North with an onsite food pantry, drive-up vaccine clinics, mobile grooming services, and more. APA North is expected to be completed in 2027 and will serve thousands of pets and their families each year. 

This year’s Grey Muzzle grant cycle emphasizes the development and dissemination of best practices that can be adopted by shelters and rescues across the country, extending the impact of these investments to help far more senior dogs nationwide. 

Over the past 18 years, The Grey Muzzle Organization has distributed more than $8.3 million in grants, building a national network dedicated to elevating senior dog welfare standards. 

“We are thrilled to support programs that deliver immediate care while also establishing scalable best practices to strengthen senior dog initiatives nationwide,” said Emily Grossheider, Executive Director of The Grey Muzzle Organization. “Senior dogs are among the most vulnerable in our communities, yet they have tremendous capacity for love and companionship. Our grants help organizations like the APA provide the medical support, foster care, and adoption services needed to give these dogs a real second chance.” 

Through this partnership, the APA will expand its vital work of protecting vulnerable senior dogs and ensuring they receive the care and opportunities they deserve within our community.