“I Need My Cat.”

Keeping Families Together Through Crisis

By Kyra Munz, MSW, Better Together Program Manager

“I need my cat. I have tried every medication I can to treat my depression, but nothing helps me quite like he does.” Andrew almost needed to separate from his cat, Loki, due to a crisis—but the Better Together Program at Foothills was here to help, keeping Andrew and Loki together.

Our Better Together Program strives to keep families intact during hardship. To meet the spectrum of needs in our community, we provide free pet food and supplies and temporary animal housing for families who are going through emergency crises.

We recognize that to keep animals with their families, we must also work to address human needs. Our Better Together Program has partnered with a number of human welfare organizations in our community to further serve patrons with critical needs.

In 2023, almost 700 pets were reunited with their families after a short-term stay at our Shelter—a crucial alternative to relinquishment due to a crisis event—and over 1,200 additional pets were supported with free food, supplies, spay/neuter services, and other key resources, barrier-free. We are grateful for this Program’s unique ability to give back to our community, keeping families together through difficult times.

2023 Community Recap

3,524 pets vaccinated

2,125 animals supported

1,104 patrons helped

655 families reunited