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Originally Posted On: https://pawsondeathrow.blog/2024/07/23/paws-on-death-row-donates-to-mount-laurel-animal-hospital-empath-fund/
Paws on Death Row Donates to Mount Laurel Animal Hospital Empath Fund
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, U.S. households spent a total of $147 billion on pet-related expenses in 2023, encompassing food, supplies, and veterinary care. With the rising costs of medical expenses, pet owners are increasingly faced with the heart-wrenching decision of whether or not they can provide care for their beloved animals. At Paws On Death Row, we steadfastly believe that every animal deserves a second chance at life. That’s why when given the opportunity at the Mount Laurel Animal Hospital in New Jersey, stepping up to support their four-legged patients and their families was a no brainer.
What Is the Empath Fund at MLAH?
Mount Laurel Animal Hospital is a renowned facility in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, specializing in 24-hour emergency and specialty animal veterinary care. Their Empath project integrates and supports EMPATH, a 501(c)(3) charity fund designed to assist financially constrained pet owners in obtaining critical emergency care for their pets. The primary goal of the Empath Fund is to alleviate the financial burden of emergency veterinary care, thereby aiding pets with a positive prognosis.
Paws On Death Row’s Rally to Support
With the overwhelming expectation of covering medical costs and the heartbreaking decisions faced daily, charities like Paws On Death Row are dedicated to helping animals wherever and however they can. After bringing her dog to the animal shelter for a routine check-up, PODR President Nadia Petruzelli overheard a family agonizing over the decision to euthanize their family dog due to the need for surgery. In response, Petruzelli donated $5,000 to the Empath Fund on behalf of Paws On Death Row, helping owners with this financial struggle and ultimately enabling their pets to receive the life-saving care and support they deserve without the prognosis of euthanasia. “When I asked the staff just how often this happened, I was devastated by their response”, claimed Petruzelli. “I knew right then and there that we at Paws on Death Row could help and when they told me about their Empath Project, we did just that. The thought of having to make a decision like that is one I know no pet owner wants or should ever have to make”.
Economic Euthanasia in Veterinary Care
Each year, countless animals are euthanized due to the prohibitive costs of emergency medical care. Economic euthanasia, the practice of ending a pet’s life because their owners cannot afford emergency medical treatment, is a distressing and increasingly common issue. In severe cases such as major infections or injuries, the cost of treatment can escalate to thousands of dollars, rendering it unaffordable for many pet owners.
Several factors contribute to this situation:
- The escalating costs of veterinary care, driven by advancements in medical treatments and the increasing expenses of routine and emergency care, are a major contributor. Standard diagnostic tests alone can cost around $500 before any treatment begins, forcing many pet owners to make the agonizing decision to euthanize their pets due to financial constraints.
- Understaffed, overpopulated, and underfunded shelters often resort to economic euthanasia when an animal is ill or requires surgery that cannot be covered. Many veterinary professionals and shelter staff find this to be the most challenging aspect of their work.
- Preventative financial options like pet insurance are intended to help pet owners manage routine veterinary expenses and unforeseen medical costs. However, the cost of these plans can be substantial, making them less accessible. The average costs of pet insurance can be up to $600 per year for dogs and $400 per year for cats, depending on the plan.
Triumph and Support: Collaboration Between MLAH and Charities
The collaboration between Mount Laurel Animal Hospital and charities like EMPATH and Paws On Death Row showcases the power of collective efforts in overcoming financial barriers to animal care. By working together, we ensure that pets receive the medical attention they need, regardless of their owners’ financial situations. This is a triumph in the ongoing battle against economic euthanasia, providing a lifeline to pets and their families when they need it most. Collective donations and support exemplifies how community-driven initiatives can make a significant impact, transforming potential tragedies into stories of hope and recovery.
Conclusion
The efforts of the Mount Laurel Animal Hospital and Paws On Death Row stand as a testament to the impact of compassion and community support. By addressing the financial constraints that lead to economic euthanasia, we are not only saving lives but also fostering a supportive network for pet owners in need. As we move forward, it is crucial to support and expand such initiatives, ensuring that no pet is left behind due to financial limitations.
About Nadia Petruzelli:
Nadia Petruzelli is the President of Paws On Death Row. Her mission is to save animals on death row by providing them with a second chance at life. Paws On Death Row believes that every animal deserves love, care, and a safe home, and we are dedicated to ensuring that no innocent animal is unjustly euthanized due to overcrowding or other circumstances.
