Editor's note: This article has been updated to clarify the terms of the grant and the citation has been updated.
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — Leslie Harrelson founded PETS Clinic as a low-cost spay/neuter facility after picking up a stray dog from the highway.
She expanded into a full-service veterinary clinic in 2020 after realizing that the biggest barrier to pet care was the cost of treatment.
“We are full service. We are doing everything we can to help as many pets as possible, but obviously we don't have all the tools we need,” Harrelson said. “We don't have enough veterinarians to see all the animals that need us.”
PETS Clinic has been selected as one of 17 nonprofit clinics across the country to receive a portion of a $100 million grant from PetSmart Charities. This funding he will distribute to 17 clinics over five years. This funding will go toward improving access to veterinary care by funding the growth and operation of nonprofit clinics that aim to expand their services and serve their communities.
The “Accelerator” low-cost veterinary care grant program is a key part of this effort.
“The Accelerator Grants Program is a new way for PetSmart Charities to distribute grants,” said Amy Christian, PetSmart Charities Senior Community Grants Manager. “We've never done anything like this before. This is a multi-year grant, and it comes with consulting and business analysis that we've never done before.”
Harrelson said PETS is currently understaffed.
“There are 1,000 pets for every veterinarian (veterinary technician, receptionist, etc.),” Harrelson said in a news release.
As a result, we are unable to serve all families in need.
The accelerator grant will allow PETS to hire more veterans and provide care for more families.
“As we look to recruit and acquire more licensed veterans, we are focusing on international veterans who are seeking licensure,” Harrelson said. “PetSmart is a huge player in that they also help us buy equipment. There are countless things that the grant has helped us with.”
PETS' mission is to provide low-cost preventative and standard care to ensure all four-legged friends thrive at home and avoid shelters.
“People are going to have pets, and they're going to need services,” Christian said. “And this program will give us everything we need to continue to serve them.”
