Protecting and Serving those that Protect and Serve
VCA Animal Hospitals in San Diego and San Diego Police K9 Unit have had a working relationship for over 20 years. VCA veterinarians have been looking after San Diego’s four legged officers by making sure they are healthy and ready to serve by providing wellness services to keep them ready to serve and specialized treatments when K9s are ill or injured.
It is this long-standing partnership that led VCA Animal Hospitals in San Diego and its nonprofit partner organization, VCA Charities, to work with San Diego Police Foundation to help raise funds to help fund vital equipment and training needs of the San Diego Police Department (SDPD). These efforts enhance law enforcement’s ability to protect citizens, apprehend suspects, gather evidence and give prosecutors the tools they need to increase conviction rates. SDPD directly supports 1.3 million residents of all ages, but the reach also extends to anyone who lives, works or visits the San Diego area.
This year, they have come together again to raise awareness and funds for worthy local and regional companion animal nonprofit organizations with their annual “Pennies for Pets” campaign. From March through June, participating VCA hospitals in San Diego will be collecting donations by encouraging clients to round up their transaction amounts to the nearest dollar or by donating any amount.
Vilen Vlasov, Marketing, Southwest Region shared with Giving Back Magazine, “We just wanted to show our appreciation to the officers for putting the community they serve above all. When duty calls, they respond without hesitation. They sacrifice much of their family life to serve and protect. We also wanted to express gratitude to their families! We are proud of our VCA Hospital teammates and their goal to help the San Diego Police Foundation and their K9 Unit. Through the VCA Charities Pennies for Pets program, we are dedicated to help the SDPD to help protect the same community we serve and love.”
So far, VCA Animal Hospitals in San Diego successfully raised over $30,000 to support the department through San Diego Police Foundation Everyone can help! Visit any San Diego area VCA Animal Hospital to donate or visit www.VCAcharities.org/donations. (Make sure to mention San Diego Police Foundation in the Memo Section)
