Steve Charnick noticed a trend in pet rescue shelters that he wanted to change. While they all did fantastic work to help pets in need, many of them worked alone. That’s why his mission for To The Rescue in New Jersey is to bridge those gaps and work with shelters and organizations all over the state to find a home for every pet.

“We save lives,” says Steve about To The Rescue’s mission. “We increase adoptions by proactively cultivating relationships with other rescues, shelters, and private citizens based on mutual respect and a common goal.”

Hard Work Yielding Incredible Results

To The Rescue has found forever homes for more than 590 animals in just two years. Steve says that his partnerships with PetSmart Charities and other rescue organizations make results like this possible.

“My relationship with PetSmart is a true partnership,” says Steve. “I make sure to work with the stores and help them achieve their goals in return for the important help they give in providing an outlet from which animals will be seen and eventually adopted.”

Steve recalls many moments that stand out to him with To The Rescue, such as finding last-minute homes for 26 bunnies across numerous PetSmart stores in two different districts. He’s also focused on the needs of many more pets and the specific challenges that face the New Jersey area.

“In New Jersey, many rescues bring in pets from the South and even from other countries,” says Steve.” “Spay and neuter is not as widely practiced as here, so there are many more animals in need of help.”

That’s where Steve’s mission comes full circle. While many shelters in New Jersey focus on local animals, Steve tries to help animals no matter if they’re local, out of state, or even out of country. It’s a tall order, but Steve says that with the help of his partnerships with PetSmart and the PetSmart Charities Field Grant, rescuing these animals is possible.

Every Dollar Is Put to Use

“It costs roughly $1 per day to feed an animal in foster care,” says Steve. “Every dollar that we receive from PetSmart Charities is a dollar that we can use not only for the care of those animals we currently have, but also toward saving more lives!”

As for future goals, Steve says that he would like to take the momentum of his partnership with PetSmart Charities and expand To The Rescue throughout New Jersey and foster even more relationships that will save pets around the state, country, and even the world.