MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Nestlé Purina PetCare this week announced it recently delivered a $10,000 donation to Susquehanna Service Dogs (SSD) to support the establishment of a new on-site veterinary center.
The new on-site veterinary center will enable Susquehanna Service Dogs to improve services and reduce costs related to the health of its assistance dogs in training and "is the latest example of Purina supporting community nonprofits in and around its Mechanicsburg pet food factory," the company said in a press release.
Currently, all dogs in training within the Susquehanna Service Dogs program receive veterinary care at off-site locations. Although volunteer puppy raisers raise the dogs for the first 15-18 months, SSD covers the significant cost of veterinary care, as well as the logistical challenges.
The new on-site facility will create an environment to provide for more immediate and comprehensive care. Planned services at the center include ultrasound examinations, whelping puppies, and routine parasite checks, among other critical health care procedures.
“Purina’s continued support has been invaluable to our mission,” said Deb Tack, Executive Director of Susquehanna Service Dogs. “This latest donation not only helps us enhance our veterinary care capabilities but also strengthens our overall ability to provide life-changing assistance dogs to members of the community.”
In 2021, Purina contributed $20,000 to outfit Susquehanna’s new training center in Grantville, Dauphin County This facility is designed to offer an accessible environment with customized spaces that cater to experienced working teams, new partners, volunteers, and dog trainers. Purina also supports the organization with regular donations of dog food for those in Advanced Training and Breeding Programs and provides starter bags of food for new puppy raisers.
“We are deeply committed to supporting organizations that improve the lives of pets, and we are so proud to know that our longstanding partnership with Susquehanna Service Dogs is positively impacting so many dogs in our region,” said Angie Broderick, Purina Factory Manager in Mechanicsburg. “The new veterinary center will enhance the quality of life for many area service dogs and, by extension, for the individuals who rely on them.”
In the last five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million to organizations focused on making a difference for pets, people and the planet. The Purina Mechanicsburg factory employs more than 420 local associates. To learn more about causes Purina supports, visitpurina.com/partnerships.