MetLife Pet Insurance giving $500K to U.S. animal shelters
The donation follows a year in which shelters had to cover unexpected costs to accommodate pandemic-related renovations.
MetLife Pet Insurance is donating $500,000 to animal rescue shelters across the U.S. as part of an ongoing commitment to support shelters with operational and care costs, the insurance company reported.
“Animal shelters have always played an important role in our communities,” Katie Blakeley, vice president and head of MetLife Pet Insurance, said in a release. “This was never more true than during the pandemic when so many people welcomed new pets into their homes. Despite the surge in adoptions, overall giving to shelters was down. We are proud to offer our support to shelters, so they can continue their important work in their communities helping animals find their families.”
During the pandemic, many shelters expanded to accommodate social distancing and virtual visits. These activities added unexpected operational costs on budgets that are intended to cover basic needs such as food, medicine, blankets, beds and toys.
“Over the past 18 months, shelters, including our own, have seen an unprecedented impact on our communities and the way we deploy our missions, including adoptions. The needs are great, and so too are the costs of delivering our lifesaving programs,” Michael Robbins, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Atlanta Humane Society, said in a release. “The support that MetLife Pet Insurance gives to us and many shelters around the country allows us to continue our good work in the rescue, care and adoption of pets.”
Since spring 2020, more than 2 million dogs and cats have been adopted from animal shelters, MetLife Pet reported. Although many animals were welcomed into new homes during the past year, nearly two-thirds of pet owners don’t have a pet policy.
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