Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine receives $350,000 grant
from the Petco Foundation and Blue Buffalo Foundation to subsidize cancer treatment for pets

ITHACA – Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has received a three-year, $350,000 grant to subsidize the cost of cancer treatment for dogs and cats. By establishing a "Petco Foundation & Blue Buffalo Foundation Cancer Treatment Support Fund," the Cornell University Hospital for Animals will be able to provide financial assistance for owners who could not otherwise afford the cost of treating their pets with cancer.

The Petco Foundation and the Blue Buffalo Foundation have provided $9 million for treatment and research since partnering in 2010 to combat pet cancer. Other recipients included the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

“One of the saddest things a veterinarian witnesses is when a beloved pet is diagnosed with cancer, and the owner realizes that he or she can’t afford treatment,” said Cornell veterinary oncologist Margaret McEntee, DVM, the Alexander de Lahunta Chair of Clinical Sciences. “Radiation and chemotherapy can make an enormous difference in the pet’s quality of life, but the cost puts them out of reach for many people. We are grateful to the Petco Foundation and the Blue Buffalo Foundation for giving us the means to help owners access high-quality cancer treatment for their pets.”

“Through our partnership with Blue Buffalo Foundation, we’re happy to support outstanding pet cancer treatment initiatives at work across the country,” said Susanne Kogut, Executive Director, Petco Foundation. “Not only do programs like Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine directly support the health and well-being of animal patients, but these experiences also help to stoke the interests of future veterinarians as we seek to eradicate pet cancer.”

“Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine has a demonstrated track-record of providing exemplary care to pets and families,” said David Petrie, President, Blue Buffalo Foundation. “We are thrilled that this investment will help to reduce the financial burden on a number of families pursuing life-changing veterinary procedures.”