PETS-Washington DC (PETS-DC)

PETS-DC assists people with HIV/AIDS and other disabling conditions in caring for their pets (public health education, exercise, food, grooming, fostering, veterinary care, adoptions) in the metropolitan area. info@petsdc.org; 202-234-7387.

How do you help people in my community?

PETS-DC offers clients assistance in obtaining: public health education, veterinary care, in-home pet care (e.g. dog-walking, feeding, litter box care, cage/tank cleaning), pet food and supplies, housing advocacy, foster pet care, grooming care, and pet adoption services. In addition to serving clients, the public health education program offers assistance to other health care providers such as physicians, nurses, and other AIDS service agencies. These services are offered to men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS in the metropolitan Washington, DC area. Just under half of our clients live in the District with the remaining half divided between the communities in Suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia.

Why do you need my support?

For a person with AIDS even the everyday necessities can become prohibitively expensive. Many new clients enrolled in the PETS-DC program proclaim that “they won’t have to feed their own food to their pets anymore.” They may no longer skip going to the doctor so that they can pay to take their pet to the vet. “I don’t have to worry so much, now that you showed me how to avoid picking up an infection from my pet.” “My pet is part of this family, and I’ll do anything to keep them.”

Your ten dollar donation will help PETS-DC buy a bag of cat food. A fifty dollar gift will help pay for all the routine vaccinations needed for one pet each year. One dollar will enable the mother of a child with AIDS to receive a public health brochure explaining the “safe pet guidelines.”

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

PETS-DC accomplishes its mission utilizing one part-time employee and over 350 volunteers. By mandate of the Board of Directors, PETS-DC caps its overhead to be less than 25% of its budget. With no similar organization in the metropolitan area, PETS-DC networks with other AIDS service providers and other animal care agencies to efficiently utilize all available community resources. Clients (and their pets) receive services after undergoing an intake process which includes a financial need application. Once processed clients receive assistance in the form of vouchers, goods, or volunteer services. The five member Board of Directors, through budgetary oversight, policy implementation and review, ensures accountability for the wise use of the community’s resources.

Can I Volunteer? How?

Volunteers are the “soul” of PETS-DC. From delivering pet food, walking dogs, and fostering animals to helping with fundraising and answering the phone, volunteers play critical roles in all aspects of the organization. PETS-DC conducts monthly volunteer orientations and quarterly training workshops. By calling (202) 234-PETS, voicemail #2, you can start the volunteer process.