Editor’s note: In 2019, Pets Forever transitioned the delivery of in-home services offered to A Little Help, a statewide organization that provides in-home support and services for elderly adults and those with disabilities.
Bound by the belief that animals are vital family members, Pets Forever helps avoid the problem of abandoned animals, and strengthens the physical and emotional health of animals, people and communities.
For people who struggle to provide the care needed to keep their beloved pet happy, healthy and at home, Pets Forever offers a much-needed helping hand. The community outreach program in the CSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences strives to keep human-pet families together by providing in-home support and resources for low-income older adults and those with disabilities in Larimer County.
The program matches graduate and undergraduate students with community members to provide critical in-home services like dog walking, cat care (socialization and litter box cleaning), brushing and grooming, nail care, yard clean-up and more.
Pets Forever also provides a full range of health and well-being services including a food program, delivering and administering pet medications, regular grooming and veterinary care, and animal behavior consultations.
It’s a service-learning opportunity for students, says director Lori Kogan, but the greatest gift is the volunteers’ presence, care and compassion.
Pets Forever is fully funded through donations from community members, businesses and foundations, such as PetSmart Charities, which recently committed $50,000 to support the program’s work.
