Press Release
2024-02-29
CancerCare® Launches New Resources to Support Pet Owners Impacted by Cancer
CancerCare®, the leading national nonprofit organization providing free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer is excited to announce the launch of new resources through its Pet Assistance and Wellness (PAW) Program.
The PAW Program is the only program of its kind exclusively dedicated to helping people diagnosed with cancer stay together with their pets. Since 2020, the program has granted financial assistance to over 3,300 CancerCare clients for pet-related expenses such as pet food, veterinary care and boarding.
Three new resources expand upon the PAW Program’s existing educational content and address the unique challenges faced by pet owners diagnosed with cancer:
• Caring for Your Beloved Pet While You Are Undergoing Cancer Treatment
- In this video, medical oncologist Dr. Len Lichtenfeld shares helpful information for patients undergoing chemotherapy and other novel cancer treatments on caring for their pet.
• Planning for Your Pet’s Future Care
- In this video, the PAW Program offers guidance to cancer patients for finding temporary care support for their pet, as well as navigating the incredibly difficult decision of finding a new permanent home for their pet, should that become necessary.
- A written guide complements the video and offers further support to cancer patients to help keep their pet or navigate options if they need to find additional support caring for their pet.
In addition to these new educational offerings, CancerCare has created Helping Paws, an online database designed to connect individuals affected by cancer with local and national pet care services that are low-cost or free of charge. This searchable platform allows users to find essential pet care support, including pet food banks, reduced-cost veterinary care and emergency boarding services in their area. Focusing initially on select major cities in the US, it includes many national resources that pet owners with cancer will find invaluable; the database will expand to other US locales in the upcoming months.
Funding for these resources is provided by Amie’s Place Foundation, which is dedicated to creating no-fee programs that keep families and pets together during challenging times. Christine Verini, CEO of CancerCare, noted, “Thanks to the generous support from Amie’s Place Foundation, we are able to provide these essential resources and support to ensure that no one has to navigate the complexities of cancer treatment and pet care alone.”
For more information on CancerCare's PAW Program resources, please visit www.cancercare.org/paw and be sure to follow us on Instagram @CancerCarePAW.
About CancerCare®
Founded in 1944, CancerCare is the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer. Our comprehensive services include resource navigation, counseling and support groups over the phone, online, and in-person; educational workshops; publications; and financial and co-payment assistance. All CancerCare services are provided by master’s-prepared oncology social workers and world-leading cancer experts. To learn more, visit our website or call 800-813-HOPE (4673).