ASPCA Awards $750,000 Grant in Support of New Dumb Friends League Veterinary Hospital

Veterinary Hospital at CSU Spur will provide educational opportunities and affordable veterinary services to underserved communities in the Denver area

DENVER (Jan. 12, 2022) – The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) has awarded a $750,000 grant in support of the new Dumb Friends League Veterinary Hospital at CSU Spur, which opens to the public Feb. 1, in Denver’s Globeville-Elyria-Swansea neighborhood.

Since 2018, the Dumb Friends League has offered funder- and donor-subsidized urgent veterinary care, as well as spay/neuter surgeries for owned and feral cats, at its Veterinary Hospital at Yuma.

In partnership with Colorado State University (CSU), the Dumb Friends League will expand these vital services at its new Spur location. This funder- and donor-subsidized clinic will allow the League to serve more people and animals than ever before – approximately 6,000 more sick and injured pets in the first year alone.

“Providing accessible and affordable veterinary services for pets whose owners face financial challenges is critical to keeping those pets healthy and safe at home with their families,” said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president and CEO. “The Dumb Friends League has been a leader in this work, and we are proud to support their responsive veterinary care and innovative veterinary education programs, both of which will help thousands of Denver-area pets now and in the future.”

In partnership with Colorado State University (CSU), not only will the Veterinary Hospital at CSU Spur provide animal care, but it will also serve as an educational tool for students and the public in the community.

At CSU Spur, accessibility will take on many forms, including:

• Exceptional veterinary care offered to people and animals from communities with limited existing resources for affordable veterinary care
• Field placements for CSU veterinary students to gain hands-on experience
• Unique learning programs, including bilingual humane education and opportunities for the public to watch live surgical procedures
• Exposure to veterinary and STEM-related careers for young people from all walks of life so they can envision themselves in these roles

“This extremely generous grant from the ASPCA again shows their dedication to not only the well-being of animals, but to pet owners as well,” said Dr. Apryl Steele, President and CEO of the Dumb Friends League. “The League is excited to partner with the ASPCA to create healing opportunities for injured and ill animals with the greatest needs, and to teach future veterinarians the importance of this work.”

CSU Spur will have a family-friendly grand opening Jan. 15 from noon to 6:30 p.m. as part of the National Western Stock Show. The grand opening is free and open to the public.

For more information about the Dumb Friends League Veterinary Hospital at CSU Spur, visit ddfl.org.

About the ASPCA®

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation’s leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. For more information, visit www.ASPCA.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About the Dumb Friends League

The Dumb Friends League cares for more than 20,000 homeless pets and horses each year and is a national model in animal welfare. Working toward its mission to end pet homelessness and animal suffering, the League is a strong and steadfast voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Learn more about the programs and services the Dumb Friends League offers to its community at ddfl.org