Exciting Boost for Vanderburgh Humane Society Petco Love Grants $25K to Support Local Pets

In a heartwarming development for animal lovers across the Tri-State, the Vanderburgh Humane Society has been awarded a $25,000 grant from Petco Love. This generous investment underscores a continued commitment to improving the lives of pets and supporting the people who care for them.

The grant, announced on July 29, 2025, will allow the VHS to strengthen its programs at a time when shelters nationwide are grappling with shifting adoption trends and rising care costs.

Petco Love’s mission is more than adoption

Petco Love, a nonprofit founded in 1999, has long been a champion for animals across North America. With nearly $421 million invested in adoption, health care, and innovation, the organization is transforming pet welfare with bold ideas and practical support.

Their network of over 4,000 partner organizations, including Petco stores and local shelters like the VHS, has facilitated more than 7 million adoptions. But their efforts don’t stop there. Petco Love Lost, their free national lost and found database, uses advanced photo-matching technology to reunite missing pets with their families, saving both heartache and lives.

Why this funding matters now more than ever

According to the VHS, the shelter has been feeling the effects of a national drop in adoption rates, especially for large-breed dogs. Fewer adoptions mean fewer funds from adoption fees, all while the cost of care, including medical treatment, cleaning supplies, and utilities, continues to rise.

The $25,000 grant will go directly toward supporting the people on the frontlines: the shelter's animal care staff, adoption coordinators, veterinary team, and dedicated volunteers. These are the individuals who provide daily enrichment, medical attention, and hope to hundreds of animals in need.

Petco Love focuses on impact, not paperwork

Amanda Coburn, Director of Advancement at the VHS, expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing how Petco Love stands out from other grant-making organizations. “They have their finger on the pulse of what organizations are facing across the country,” she said. “And they provide significant support without cumbersome requirements that take valuable time away from animal care. That matters.”

This approach allows the VHS to remain focused on its mission rather than getting caught in red tape, a welcome relief during increasingly complex times for animal welfare groups.

How VHS continues to serve the Tri-State

Celebrating 68 years of service in 2025, the Vanderburgh Humane Society has become a trusted leader in animal welfare throughout Southwestern Indiana. With more than 12,000 families served annually, the organization provides spay and neuter services, adoption support, and humane education.

Get our free mobile app

A reminder that community support fuels progress

The Petco Love investment is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when national organizations partner with local leaders.

For those looking to get involved, the VHS welcomes donations, volunteers, and adopters year-round. You can learn more by visiting vhslifesaver.org or by following the VHS on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok.