West Michigan nonprofit receives $1M grant to improve veterinary care

KENT COUNTY, MI — PetSmart Charities recently announced it awarded a $1 million grant to a nonprofit veterinary care provider in Walker to expand its services.

Community Spay Neuter Initiative Partnership (C-SNIP) aims to use the funds over three years to increase its capacity to help more companion animals and pet families throughout West Michigan.

Since its inception in 2001, CSNIP has grown to benefit more than 255,000 dogs, cats and pet families throughout West Michigan, serving nearly 24,000 pets in 2023. With the support from the PetSmart Charities Accelerator grant, CSNIP will build upon that growth to increase pet families’ access to needed veterinary care.

“Pets have a significant impact on the health and wellness of the people they love, which is why accessible veterinary care is crucial for maintaining the well-being of our community,” said Sharon Caldwell-Newton, executive director of CSNIP. “Through our affordable, high-quality veterinary services, we ensure that all families can access the preventative and essential care that ensures their pets thrive at home and stay out of shelters.”

The monetary gift is one of the key components in constructing the nonprofit’s new 12,000-square-foot clinic at 1300 Walker Village Dr. NW, set to open in January 2025. It will replace and expand its smaller clinics in Grand Rapids, Kentwood and Fruitport, specifically targeting the needs of financially challenged pet owners across 10 counties.

RELATED: What’s going on along I-96? It’s 12,000 square feet for dogs and cats

CSNIP will increase its wellness, treatment and surgical capacities, going from three exam rooms to six and five surgery tables to ten, the news release said. Funds will also be used to expand its diagnostics ability with the purchase of a full-body x-ray machine so that more pets can be treated by the nonprofit.

According to PetSmart Charities, 50 million pets in the U.S. experience a lack of access to even basic veterinary care. Rising costs and other barriers mean these pets struggle to access services such as spay and neuter procedures, vaccinations, and critical medical and preventative care.

“Our veterinary system is in crisis,” said Kate Atema, director of community grants and initiatives at PetSmart Charities. “Rising costs are putting standard veterinary care out of reach for as much as half of pet-owning families.”

With as many as 70% of households now including pets, the issue of affordable access affects families in nearly every community, the news release said.

That’s why PetSmart has committed $100 million over the next five years toward improving access to veterinary care — expanding low-cost veterinary care by funding growth and operations for up to four years for nonprofit clinics looking to strengthen their services, improve community service, and inspire other veterinary providers by sharing their experiences.

“We need innovative solutions that make veterinary care affordable for the families in every community who want the best for their four-legged companions but struggle to meet the cost of vet care,” added Atema. “We’re inspired by the incredible work CSNIP is doing to create solutions that will build strong families and a healthy community.”

Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Grand Rapids” daily newsletter.