APF is pleased to have received a Rachael Ray Save Them All COVID-19 Relief Grant from Best Friends Animal Society. This grant will help to ensure that the APF Pet Food Pantry continues to provide for pets living in the Capital Region whose owners are unable to leave their homes or who need a helping hand.

The APF is committed to serving community pets, focusing on pet retention and providing services with community partners. Due to the pandemic, the APF expedited rolling out programs as the needs continue to increase. “As many have faced economic distress during these challenging times, this $1,500 grant will help to to replenish our pantry,” said Executive Director, Deb Balliet. “Helping owners with pet food means that pets remain in a loving home rather than being surrendered. We are grateful to our community for their support and appreciate the help from Best Friends Animal Society in our pet retention efforts.

The Animal Protective Foundation is an active partner in the Best Friends Network, which offers resources and support to fellow shelters, rescue groups, and animal welfare organizations across the country.

“When you choose to foster or adopt your next pet, you are becoming part of the solution right here in our community,” said Balliet. “And, right now community is more important than ever.”

The Rachael Ray Save Them All COVID-19 Relief Program, administered by Best Friends and funded by The Rachael Ray Foundation™, provides COVID-19 relief grants to shelters and rescue groups across the country. The Rachael Ray Foundation helps animals in need and is funded by a portion of proceeds from each sale of Rachael’s pet food, Nutrish®.

About Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends Animal Society is a leading national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. In addition to running lifesaving programs in partnership with more than 2,800 animal welfare groups across the country, Best Friends has regional centers in New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and Houston and operates the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals. Founded in 1984, Best Friends is a pioneer in the no-kill movement and has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters nationwide from an estimated 17 million per year to around 733,000. That means there are still about 2,000 dogs and cats killed every day in shelters, just because they don’t have safe places to call home. We are determined to bring the country to no-kill by the year 2025. Working collaboratively with shelters, rescue groups, other organizations and you, we will end the killing and Save Them All. To check out our community lifesaving dashboard and for more information, visit bestfriends.org.

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