APA Receives $75,000 Grant From PetSmart Charities® to Help Transport Homeless Pets  

Some five million pets enter shelters in the U.S. each year. Thanks to improved coordination efforts between animal shelters across the nation, transporting homeless pets from one locale to another increases the chances for adoptable animals to find people to love. The Animal Protective Association of Missouri (APA) recently received a $75,000 grant from PetSmart Charities to support its pet transport program.

Transporting animals involves moving animals from areas of high pet overpopulation to those of high demand for adoptable pets. PetSmart Charities, the top funder of animal welfare in the U.S. and the APA know collaborations such as these will improve outcomes for animals in overpopulated shelters.

“As many communities grapple with animals staying longer in shelters and work to build out long term solutions, partnerships with regions who have capacity to bring in animals is paramount to our collective lifesaving efforts,” said Heidi Marston, director of pet placement initiatives at PetSmart Charities.  “We’re proud to support APA and their critical work to ensure adoptable pets find their families as quickly as possible. “ 

As the APA’s intake numbers continue to increase, we rely heavily on our transfer program to transfer pets to other rescues, including between both adoption center locations. On May 11, 2023, APA transferred 12 pets from APA Olivette to APA Brentwood where higher adopter foot traffic helps these amazing pets find new homes – and second chances – within days of arriving.

“We are thankful for the continued support of PetSmart Charities. The transport program helps us save more pets’ lives and connect pets with people,” said Sarah Javier, APA President & CEO. “Since January 1, 2023, we have experienced a 159% increase in animals coming through the doors. The transfer program is helping us create more critical space in the shelter.”