Nonprofit receives $1M grant to improve accessible veterinary care
Photo courtesy of CSNIP
Community Spay Neuter Initiative Partnership (CSNIP), a nonprofit veterinary care provider based in Walker, has been awarded a $1,000,000 three-year grant from PetSmart Charities. The funds will be used to expand services and increase capacity to help more companion animals and pet families throughout West Michigan.
Since its inception in 2001, CSNIP has grown to benefit more than 255,000 dogs, cats and pet families throughout West Michigan, serving nearly 24,000 pets in 2023. With the support from the PetSmart Charities Accelerator grant, CSNIP will build upon that growth to increase pet families’ access to needed veterinary care. In its new clinic located in the City of Walker, CSNIP will increase its wellness, treatment and surgical capacities, going from three exam rooms to six and five surgery tables to ten. Funds will also be used to expand its diagnostics ability with the purchase of a full body x-ray machine so that more pets can be treated by CSNIP.
"Pets have a significant impact on the health and wellness of the people they love, which is why accessible veterinary care is crucial for maintaining the well-being of our community," said Sharon Caldwell-Newton, Executive Director, CSNIP. "Through our affordable, high-quality veterinary services, we are ensuring that all families can access the preventative and essential care that ensures their pets thrive at home and stay out of shelters."
According to PetSmart Charities, 50 million pets in the U.S. experience a lack of access to even basic veterinary care. Rising costs and other barriers mean these pets struggle to access services such as spay/neuter procedures, vaccinations and critical medical and preventative care. With as many as 70 percent of households now including pets, this issue affects families in nearly every community.
“Our veterinary system is in crisis,” said Kate Atema, Director of Community Grants and Initiatives, PetSmart Charities. “Rising costs are putting standard veterinary care out of reach for as much as 50% of pet-owning families.”
Earlier this year, CSNIP announced plans to construct a new 12,000-square-foot veterinary clinic and headquarters at 1300 Walker Village Dr NW, Walker. The state-of-the-art facility will consolidate three existing clinics from Grand Rapids and Fruitport. Specifically targeting the needs of financially challenged pet owners across 10 West Michigan counties, the new clinic will significantly expand service capabilities that were previously limited at the smaller, part-time satellite clinic in Fruitport. Chosen for its strategic location, the Walker facility is optimally positioned for geographic accessibility, ensuring that all community members, especially those on the lakeshore, have easy access to comprehensive veterinary care. CSNIP is scheduled to move into the new clinic in January.
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