PetSmart announced Tuesday it will fund a Paws for Hope program at Rady Children’s Hospital with a $250,000 commitment over five years.
“At PetSmart, we believe in building partnerships that help people heal through the power of pets,” said David Lenhardt, president and chief executive officer of PetSmart. “We’re proud to partner with Rady Children’s on PetSmart Paws for Hope and look forward to watching the life-changing program grow.”
Rady’s canine therapy program now includes 33 volunteer dogs, which visit patients five days a week, resulting in more than 15,000 bedside visits per year. Support from PetSmart will allow the program to expand in the future with additional dogs and increased visits.
“We are so grateful for the incredible generosity from PetSmart, which enables us to significantly enhance our canine therapy program,” said Steve Jennings, senior vice president and executive director of Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Many special programs rely on community support to operate, and with this donation Rady Children’s will be better-equipped to provide the excellence in patient care we are known for nationwide.”
This is the third national partnership of its kind between PetSmart and a hospital pet therapy program. Existing programs include Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Orlando Health.
Phoenix-based PetSmart is the nation’s largest retailer of pet products and services.
