ASPCA Commits Additional $2 Million to Animal Welfare Organizations Impacted by the COVID-19 Crisis

ASPCA COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Initiative has provided $7.5 million in emergency relief to help pet owners and shelters navigate the pandemic; Emergency relief grant funding made possible in part by $500,000 donation from Subaru of America, Inc.
December 17, 2020

NEW YORK – The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) has committed to awarding an additional $2 million in emergency grant funding as part of its national ASPCA COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Initiative to more than 65 animal welfare organizations whose lifesaving services have been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. In total, the ASPCA has provided $7.5 million to help pet owners and animal welfare groups impacted by COVID-19 through pet food distribution, urgent veterinary services, and grant funding to more than 80 organizations to ease financial strain and support ongoing programs, operations, and fundraising needs.

“As the COVID-19 crisis continues to create unprecedented challenges for pets, homeless animals, and shelters, it’s vital to sustain support for local efforts protecting these vulnerable animals,” said ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker. “Following the lifesaving impact our original funding had on shelters and rescue organizations in the spring, we are inspired to provide an additional $2 million to assist even more animals and communities during these challenging times.”  

The ASPCA COVID-19 Relief & Recovery grant funding has been awarded to a range of animal welfare organizations including private humane societies, municipal animal shelters, animal rescue and transport groups, spay/neuter clinics, and organizations focusing on the adoption of dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals across 35 states and territories, including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. The average grants each organization received totaled more than $48,000 and will be put towards a variety of needs to support homeless animals and pet owners in their local communities.

Earlier this year, Subaru of America, Inc. partnered with the ASPCA to distribute nearly $700,000 in grant funding to support virtual adoption events hosted by animal welfare organizations and local Subaru retailers across the country. Recognizing that a critical level of support is still urgently needed, Subaru is furthering its commitment to animals in need this holiday season by contributing over $500,000 to the ASPCA COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Initiative. This collective generosity is made possible by the Subaru Share the Love® Event.

“At Subaru, we are committed to supporting the care of animals in need as part of our Subaru Love Promise, especially at a time like this where love is needed the most” said Thomas J. Doll, President and CEO, Subaru of America, Inc. “We are proud to support the ASPCA COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Initiative and lend a helping hand to animals in need.”

In March, the ASPCA launched its COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Initiative to address the most urgent needs of pet owners and animal shelters across the country, helping to keep animals safe and healthy. By providing access to free pet food, supplies, veterinary care, emergency boarding and information, the ASPCA is comprehensively addressing the most urgent needs of pet owners and animal shelters across the country, helping to keep animals safe and healthy. Since launching its COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Initiative, the ASPCA has helped more than 320,000 dogs, cats and horses across the country.

For more information about the ASPCA’s efforts to serve animals throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.aspca.org.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered at a zero-landfill office in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 630 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone, and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA has donated more than $190 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged more than 40,000 volunteer hours. As a company, Subaru believes it is important to do its part in making a positive impact in the world because it is the right thing to do.

For additional information visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram.