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When Every Minute Matters: How Access to Veterinary Care Saved Tana's Life

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"Tana means the world to us," says Kelsey. "We love Tana. She's just the baby of our house and we love her dearly."

When Tana, Kelsey's two-year-old cat, suddenly became ill, the family knew something was terribly wrong.

"She was lethargic, and wouldn't eat, and you could just tell that the poor girl was in so much pain."

Kelsey rushed Tana to an emergency veterinary clinic, where the cause of her condition became clear. Tana had ingested part of a fake plant, creating a life-threatening blockage that required emergency surgery.

Already worried about whether Tana would survive, Kelsey and her family were then faced with another devastating reality: the surgery would cost thousands of dollars, far more than they could afford.

Fortunately, there was another option.

Through grant funding provided by PetSmart Charities of Canada, Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital was able to Tana get the surgery she needed at a cost Kelsey’s family could afford. 

"It was the biggest relief for all of us," Kelsey says.

Today, Tana has fully recovered and is back home, healthy and surrounded by the family who loves her. For Kelsey, the support meant she didn't have to choose between financial hardship and giving Tana a chance to live.
 


Leading Change for Good
Every pet deserves the chance to receive timely, quality veterinary care.

Through grant funding, research, and partnerships with organizations across the country, PetSmart Charities of Canada is working to ensure more families have access to the care their pets need.

For Kelsey, that support meant bringing Tana home.

And for families facing similar situations, it's a reminder that together, we can create a future where financial barriers don't stand between pets and lifesaving care.

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Distance to the veterinarian is also a factor for pet parentsAs veterinary care costs and demand continue to climb across…
read more arrow-right-primary
community impact
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Every pet who finds a home has a whole team behind them.
read more arrow-right-primary
community impact
2024 Impact Report
Together we made the world a better place for pets and those who love them. We’re proud to share our 2024 Impact Report and invite you…
read more arrow-right-primary
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