The Community Spay Neuter Initiative Partnership, a nonprofit veterinary care provider in Walker, has received a $1 million, three-year grant from PetSmart Charities to expand its services and better meet the needs of pet families in West Michigan. The funding will allow CSNIP to grow its capacity, reaching more animals and pet owners, particularly those in financially challenging situations.
“Our veterinary system is in crisis,” said Kate Atema, director of community grants and initiatives, PetSmart Charities. “Rising costs are putting standard veterinary care out of reach for as much as 50% of pet-owning families.”
Founded in 2001, CSNIP has served over 255,000 pets in West Michigan, offering affordable veterinary care, including spay/neuter surgeries, wellness exams, dental services, and more. In 2023 alone, the organization cared for nearly 24,000 animals. With this new support from PetSmart Charities, CSNIP is poised to make an even greater impact in the region.
“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,” said Atema. “We’re inspired by the incredible work CSNIP is doing to create solutions that will build strong families and a healthy community.”
The grant will directly support the expansion of CSNIP’s Walker clinic, which is set to open in January in a new, state-of-the-art facility. The 12,000-square-foot building will house six exam rooms, ten surgery tables, and advanced diagnostic tools like a full-body x-ray machine. This significant increase in capacity will allow CSNIP to serve many more pets in need, helping reduce the barriers that prevent families from accessing quality 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, CSNIP. “Through our affordable, high-quality veterinary services, we are ensuring that all families can access the preventative and essential care that ensures their pets thrive at home and stay out of shelters.”
The need for expanded services is urgent. Across the U.S., 50 million pets lack access to basic care, a problem that’s only worsened by rising costs and limited availability of services. PetSmart Charities is addressing this crisis with its Accelerator grant program, committing $100 million over five years to support nonprofit veterinary clinics like CSNIP that are working to bridge the gap.
On Dec. 9 CSNIP paused all services as they prepared to move into the new location. During that break in services, customer service will take calls to schedule spay/neuter and well pet appointments at the new Walker location starting January 13, 2025. Online appointment scheduling will be available starting Monday, January 6, 2025.
CSNIP’s new Walker facility is strategically located at 1300 Walker Village Drive will serve residents across Kent County and well beyond. Centrally located for easy access from major highways, it’s designed to serve more families with comprehensive services including advanced surgeries, expanded wellness and dental services.
The clinic’s growth is also a step toward improving public health and reducing shelter euthanasia rates, as more pets are able to receive necessary care before they end up in overcrowded shelters.
As the first high-volume, reduced-cost spay/neuter provider in the region, CSNIP has long been an essential resource for pet families. With this generous grant, the organization is set to enhance its ability to provide life-changing care to thousands more animals, ensuring that all pets—regardless of their owners’ financial situation—receive the care they deserve.
Schedule well pet visits at (616) 455-8220. For more information contact info@csnip.org, or visit csnip.org for more details.
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