Pets to the Vet: Caring for Pets and Supporting the Elderly

Through partnership and community outreach, TBA in 2025 has helped 40 Chicago-area low income seniors get much needed vet care for their beloved pets!

We’re thrilled to announce a new partially grant-funded initiative at Touched By An Animal that’s making a real difference for both local seniors and their beloved pets. Thanks to support from the foundation Pets for the Elderly, qualifying pet owners aged 60 and above can receive a comprehensive veterinary exam for their cat or dog—completely covered up to $250 per pet.

This “Pets to the Vet” program enables us to bring compassionate veterinary care directly to seniors in their living facility so there’s no need for travel or stress. Our experienced vet performs standard wellness exams including nail clipping and basic vaccinations. For pets who aren’t feeling well, diagnostic testing is provided to pinpoint the issue. Should further veterinary care be needed that exceeds the grant coverage, TBA is actively fundraising to help support these additional expenses.

As part of this heartwarming program, we capture a photo of each senior with their furry companion to share with the foundation sponsoring this initiative.  The celebrating of the special bond between seniors and their pets has been our Mission Statement since the inception of Touched By An Animal. 

We are proud to support seniors and their animals and could use your help in identifying retirement communities, senior community facilities and churches where we can organize Pets to the Vet events in 2026.  Please contact Pat Spaulding, the program coordinator, at pat.spaulding@comcast.net with your recommendations for locations. We will appreciate your input. 

If you are interested in assisting TBA in our outreach to more seniors in 2026, please click here to make a donation.  Thank you!