Animal Welfare Professionals

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Accessible Pet Grooming Services for Underserved Populations," a conversation with @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter from Loving Paws Inc. 

Access to affordable and inclusive pet grooming services remains a significant challenge for many underserved communities, including the unhoused population, low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents of rural areas. This presentation examines the increasing demand for equitable pet care resources and highlights how accessible grooming services can enhance animal health, foster stronger human–animal bonds, and reduce shelter relinquishment. We will examine barriers such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and the scarcity of pet-friendly community programs. Additionally, we present innovative service models-including mobile grooming units, community-based partnerships, and subsidized care programs-that expand reach while maintaining quality and compassion. By identifying practical strategies and sharing successful case examples, this session aims to inspire stakeholders, service providers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating sustainable, inclusive grooming solutions that keep pets healthy and families together.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, return to home and intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing and communications staff, field services/animal control officers, grant writers/fundraisers - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Pet care is a public-health and dignity issue-not a luxury. Affordable grooming helps prevent skin infections, matting, parasites, and other health issues that affect both pets and their owners' well-being. Supporting these services is supporting community health.

• Access barriers-not lack of love-prevent many from caring for their pets. Transportation challenges, cost, and limited service locations mean many unhoused or low-income pet owners can't obtain grooming, even though they care deeply for their animals. Outreach-based or mobile solutions directly address these structural barriers.

• Small contributions create big impact. Whether through volunteering, donating supplies, funding mobile grooming units, or spreading awareness, individuals and organizations can play a meaningful role in keeping pets healthy and families together.
  
  

Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

Thanks to our speakers, @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter - and everyone who joined us today! 

We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: How can you personally impact the life of a pet in need of grooming services but can't afford it?

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Accessible Pet Grooming Services for Underserved Populations," a conversation with @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter from Loving Paws Inc. 

Access to affordable and inclusive pet grooming services remains a significant challenge for many underserved communities, including the unhoused population, low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents of rural areas. This presentation examines the increasing demand for equitable pet care resources and highlights how accessible grooming services can enhance animal health, foster stronger human–animal bonds, and reduce shelter relinquishment. We will examine barriers such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and the scarcity of pet-friendly community programs. Additionally, we present innovative service models-including mobile grooming units, community-based partnerships, and subsidized care programs-that expand reach while maintaining quality and compassion. By identifying practical strategies and sharing successful case examples, this session aims to inspire stakeholders, service providers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating sustainable, inclusive grooming solutions that keep pets healthy and families together.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, return to home and intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing and communications staff, field services/animal control officers, grant writers/fundraisers - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Pet care is a public-health and dignity issue-not a luxury. Affordable grooming helps prevent skin infections, matting, parasites, and other health issues that affect both pets and their owners' well-being. Supporting these services is supporting community health.

• Access barriers-not lack of love-prevent many from caring for their pets. Transportation challenges, cost, and limited service locations mean many unhoused or low-income pet owners can't obtain grooming, even though they care deeply for their animals. Outreach-based or mobile solutions directly address these structural barriers.

• Small contributions create big impact. Whether through volunteering, donating supplies, funding mobile grooming units, or spreading awareness, individuals and organizations can play a meaningful role in keeping pets healthy and families together.
  
  

Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

Thanks to our speakers, @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter - and everyone who joined us today! 

We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: How can you personally impact the life of a pet in need of grooming services but can't afford it?

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Accessible Pet Grooming Services for Underserved Populations," a conversation with @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter from Loving Paws Inc. 

Access to affordable and inclusive pet grooming services remains a significant challenge for many underserved communities, including the unhoused population, low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents of rural areas. This presentation examines the increasing demand for equitable pet care resources and highlights how accessible grooming services can enhance animal health, foster stronger human–animal bonds, and reduce shelter relinquishment. We will examine barriers such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and the scarcity of pet-friendly community programs. Additionally, we present innovative service models-including mobile grooming units, community-based partnerships, and subsidized care programs-that expand reach while maintaining quality and compassion. By identifying practical strategies and sharing successful case examples, this session aims to inspire stakeholders, service providers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating sustainable, inclusive grooming solutions that keep pets healthy and families together.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, return to home and intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing and communications staff, field services/animal control officers, grant writers/fundraisers - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Pet care is a public-health and dignity issue-not a luxury. Affordable grooming helps prevent skin infections, matting, parasites, and other health issues that affect both pets and their owners' well-being. Supporting these services is supporting community health.

• Access barriers-not lack of love-prevent many from caring for their pets. Transportation challenges, cost, and limited service locations mean many unhoused or low-income pet owners can't obtain grooming, even though they care deeply for their animals. Outreach-based or mobile solutions directly address these structural barriers.

• Small contributions create big impact. Whether through volunteering, donating supplies, funding mobile grooming units, or spreading awareness, individuals and organizations can play a meaningful role in keeping pets healthy and families together.
  
  

Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

Thanks to our speakers, @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter - and everyone who joined us today! 

We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: How can you personally impact the life of a pet in need of grooming services but can't afford it?

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Accessible Pet Grooming Services for Underserved Populations," a conversation with @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter from Loving Paws Inc. 

Access to affordable and inclusive pet grooming services remains a significant challenge for many underserved communities, including the unhoused population, low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents of rural areas. This presentation examines the increasing demand for equitable pet care resources and highlights how accessible grooming services can enhance animal health, foster stronger human–animal bonds, and reduce shelter relinquishment. We will examine barriers such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and the scarcity of pet-friendly community programs. Additionally, we present innovative service models-including mobile grooming units, community-based partnerships, and subsidized care programs-that expand reach while maintaining quality and compassion. By identifying practical strategies and sharing successful case examples, this session aims to inspire stakeholders, service providers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating sustainable, inclusive grooming solutions that keep pets healthy and families together.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, return to home and intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing and communications staff, field services/animal control officers, grant writers/fundraisers - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Pet care is a public-health and dignity issue-not a luxury. Affordable grooming helps prevent skin infections, matting, parasites, and other health issues that affect both pets and their owners' well-being. Supporting these services is supporting community health.

• Access barriers-not lack of love-prevent many from caring for their pets. Transportation challenges, cost, and limited service locations mean many unhoused or low-income pet owners can't obtain grooming, even though they care deeply for their animals. Outreach-based or mobile solutions directly address these structural barriers.

• Small contributions create big impact. Whether through volunteering, donating supplies, funding mobile grooming units, or spreading awareness, individuals and organizations can play a meaningful role in keeping pets healthy and families together.
  
  

Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

This question caught my attention, in my State of TN, we have a Program called TN Promise Program. Students, high schoolers & new College kids are required to perform 8 hrs of SERVICE work each month! My organization offers this academic & educational opportunities. students volunteer for me for 2 years, the students get 2 YEARS FREE COLLEGE! I have got over 70 kids into FREE COLLEGE! One of our projects is to "shampoo dogs at Tractor Supply for the elderly and disabled" and people who cannot afford the $10 cost at the Pet Wash Station...Let the students do it! My students think it's fun and they keep showing up even if NOT required? I am BLESSED! Plus, I was AWARDED the GRANT of FREE SPAY/NEUTER from my State of TN! Yeah me! My suggestion is maybe you can find a similar program through the Educational System and check with local High Schools, Tech Schools, Colleges, you might just be delighfully surprised the amount of helpers you can get, especially if it counts to further education goals!

Thanks to our speakers, @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter - and everyone who joined us today! 

We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: How can you personally impact the life of a pet in need of grooming services but can't afford it?

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Accessible Pet Grooming Services for Underserved Populations," a conversation with @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter from Loving Paws Inc. 

Access to affordable and inclusive pet grooming services remains a significant challenge for many underserved communities, including the unhoused population, low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents of rural areas. This presentation examines the increasing demand for equitable pet care resources and highlights how accessible grooming services can enhance animal health, foster stronger human–animal bonds, and reduce shelter relinquishment. We will examine barriers such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and the scarcity of pet-friendly community programs. Additionally, we present innovative service models-including mobile grooming units, community-based partnerships, and subsidized care programs-that expand reach while maintaining quality and compassion. By identifying practical strategies and sharing successful case examples, this session aims to inspire stakeholders, service providers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating sustainable, inclusive grooming solutions that keep pets healthy and families together.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, return to home and intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing and communications staff, field services/animal control officers, grant writers/fundraisers - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Pet care is a public-health and dignity issue-not a luxury. Affordable grooming helps prevent skin infections, matting, parasites, and other health issues that affect both pets and their owners' well-being. Supporting these services is supporting community health.

• Access barriers-not lack of love-prevent many from caring for their pets. Transportation challenges, cost, and limited service locations mean many unhoused or low-income pet owners can't obtain grooming, even though they care deeply for their animals. Outreach-based or mobile solutions directly address these structural barriers.

• Small contributions create big impact. Whether through volunteering, donating supplies, funding mobile grooming units, or spreading awareness, individuals and organizations can play a meaningful role in keeping pets healthy and families together.
  
  

Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

Hello Mary,

That is amazing!  This sounds like an outstanding program!  I am always interested in finding ways to work with our youth.   To be able to combine grooming is a great idea.   I will look into it.  Thank you!

This question caught my attention, in my State of TN, we have a Program called TN Promise Program. Students, high schoolers & new College kids are required to perform 8 hrs of SERVICE work each month! My organization offers this academic & educational opportunities. students volunteer for me for 2 years, the students get 2 YEARS FREE COLLEGE! I have got over 70 kids into FREE COLLEGE! One of our projects is to "shampoo dogs at Tractor Supply for the elderly and disabled" and people who cannot afford the $10 cost at the Pet Wash Station...Let the students do it! My students think it's fun and they keep showing up even if NOT required? I am BLESSED! Plus, I was AWARDED the GRANT of FREE SPAY/NEUTER from my State of TN! Yeah me! My suggestion is maybe you can find a similar program through the Educational System and check with local High Schools, Tech Schools, Colleges, you might just be delighfully surprised the amount of helpers you can get, especially if it counts to further education goals!

Thanks to our speakers, @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter - and everyone who joined us today! 

We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: How can you personally impact the life of a pet in need of grooming services but can't afford it?

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Accessible Pet Grooming Services for Underserved Populations," a conversation with @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter from Loving Paws Inc. 

Access to affordable and inclusive pet grooming services remains a significant challenge for many underserved communities, including the unhoused population, low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents of rural areas. This presentation examines the increasing demand for equitable pet care resources and highlights how accessible grooming services can enhance animal health, foster stronger human–animal bonds, and reduce shelter relinquishment. We will examine barriers such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and the scarcity of pet-friendly community programs. Additionally, we present innovative service models-including mobile grooming units, community-based partnerships, and subsidized care programs-that expand reach while maintaining quality and compassion. By identifying practical strategies and sharing successful case examples, this session aims to inspire stakeholders, service providers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating sustainable, inclusive grooming solutions that keep pets healthy and families together.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, return to home and intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing and communications staff, field services/animal control officers, grant writers/fundraisers - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Pet care is a public-health and dignity issue-not a luxury. Affordable grooming helps prevent skin infections, matting, parasites, and other health issues that affect both pets and their owners' well-being. Supporting these services is supporting community health.

• Access barriers-not lack of love-prevent many from caring for their pets. Transportation challenges, cost, and limited service locations mean many unhoused or low-income pet owners can't obtain grooming, even though they care deeply for their animals. Outreach-based or mobile solutions directly address these structural barriers.

• Small contributions create big impact. Whether through volunteering, donating supplies, funding mobile grooming units, or spreading awareness, individuals and organizations can play a meaningful role in keeping pets healthy and families together.
  
  

Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

Thanks to our speakers, @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter - and everyone who joined us today! 

We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: How can you personally impact the life of a pet in need of grooming services but can't afford it?

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Accessible Pet Grooming Services for Underserved Populations," a conversation with @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter from Loving Paws Inc. 

Access to affordable and inclusive pet grooming services remains a significant challenge for many underserved communities, including the unhoused population, low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents of rural areas. This presentation examines the increasing demand for equitable pet care resources and highlights how accessible grooming services can enhance animal health, foster stronger human–animal bonds, and reduce shelter relinquishment. We will examine barriers such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and the scarcity of pet-friendly community programs. Additionally, we present innovative service models-including mobile grooming units, community-based partnerships, and subsidized care programs-that expand reach while maintaining quality and compassion. By identifying practical strategies and sharing successful case examples, this session aims to inspire stakeholders, service providers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating sustainable, inclusive grooming solutions that keep pets healthy and families together.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, return to home and intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing and communications staff, field services/animal control officers, grant writers/fundraisers - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Pet care is a public-health and dignity issue-not a luxury. Affordable grooming helps prevent skin infections, matting, parasites, and other health issues that affect both pets and their owners' well-being. Supporting these services is supporting community health.

• Access barriers-not lack of love-prevent many from caring for their pets. Transportation challenges, cost, and limited service locations mean many unhoused or low-income pet owners can't obtain grooming, even though they care deeply for their animals. Outreach-based or mobile solutions directly address these structural barriers.

• Small contributions create big impact. Whether through volunteering, donating supplies, funding mobile grooming units, or spreading awareness, individuals and organizations can play a meaningful role in keeping pets healthy and families together.
  
  

Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

As a groomer and business owner, my impact doesn't just come from picking up my tools, it comes from picking up the pets and people who need someone to care. Grooming, for me, has never been just a service. It's a calling. It's a way to restore comfort, dignity, and love to animals who can't speak for themselves. Also, a way to build a relationship with the owner and the pet.  It also is a good time to educate the owner about grooming without judging, but showing them what the pet requires, they walk away feeling empowered. 

When a pet is matted, uncomfortable, or overlooked because their family can't afford grooming,  or pet owner has passed on and now the pet is with family who have never had a pet.  Or LIFE  has just decided to LIFE. I feel that in my heart. I see the fear, the pain, the confusion and or embarrassment . And I know that with patience, gentleness, and time, I can give that pet relief and a fresh start. I've held pets that were breaking inside and watched them transform the moment the weight of their coat and their stress was lifted. They were like new pets, refreshed and ready for a great start. 

Through LC'S Detroit Pet Salon and LC'S Foundation, I make sure finances never stop a pet from getting the care they deserve. Whether it's offering free or low-cost grooming, partnering with the Michigan Humane Society, or stepping in for cruelty cases and families in crisis, I show up because every animal deserves to be seen, touched gently, and treated with kindness.

My impact is personal. It's in the wag of a tail after a grooming session. It's in a relieved owner who feels supported rather than judged. It's in knowing that, even if I can't fix the world, I can change this moment for this pet locally and internationally. 

That's what drives me.  Sometimes the smallest thing that could be huge for someone else, or make an impact.  You never know, so if I feel the need to do a nail trim or a groom for free, or clean up the dogs face , or do a tidy on them/sanitary clean. I am not only helping that pet, but I am helping that person.  It could be are conversation as they are telling me about themselves or how much their pet means to them, or how they ended up with their pet . I enjoy those  moments. That human connection.  I could go on and on.  That's why I do what I do. And that's how I know I'm making a difference. One pet, one family, one act of compassion at a time.

Thanks to our speakers, @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter - and everyone who joined us today! 

We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: How can you personally impact the life of a pet in need of grooming services but can't afford it?

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Accessible Pet Grooming Services for Underserved Populations," a conversation with @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter from Loving Paws Inc. 

Access to affordable and inclusive pet grooming services remains a significant challenge for many underserved communities, including the unhoused population, low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents of rural areas. This presentation examines the increasing demand for equitable pet care resources and highlights how accessible grooming services can enhance animal health, foster stronger human–animal bonds, and reduce shelter relinquishment. We will examine barriers such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and the scarcity of pet-friendly community programs. Additionally, we present innovative service models-including mobile grooming units, community-based partnerships, and subsidized care programs-that expand reach while maintaining quality and compassion. By identifying practical strategies and sharing successful case examples, this session aims to inspire stakeholders, service providers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating sustainable, inclusive grooming solutions that keep pets healthy and families together.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, return to home and intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing and communications staff, field services/animal control officers, grant writers/fundraisers - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Pet care is a public-health and dignity issue-not a luxury. Affordable grooming helps prevent skin infections, matting, parasites, and other health issues that affect both pets and their owners' well-being. Supporting these services is supporting community health.

• Access barriers-not lack of love-prevent many from caring for their pets. Transportation challenges, cost, and limited service locations mean many unhoused or low-income pet owners can't obtain grooming, even though they care deeply for their animals. Outreach-based or mobile solutions directly address these structural barriers.

• Small contributions create big impact. Whether through volunteering, donating supplies, funding mobile grooming units, or spreading awareness, individuals and organizations can play a meaningful role in keeping pets healthy and families together.
  
  

Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

Hello LaTonya,

I totally agree and applaud you!  Our work builds bridges and makes a major impact!

Keep doing what you're doing!

As a groomer and business owner, my impact doesn't just come from picking up my tools, it comes from picking up the pets and people who need someone to care. Grooming, for me, has never been just a service. It's a calling. It's a way to restore comfort, dignity, and love to animals who can't speak for themselves. Also, a way to build a relationship with the owner and the pet.  It also is a good time to educate the owner about grooming without judging, but showing them what the pet requires, they walk away feeling empowered. 

When a pet is matted, uncomfortable, or overlooked because their family can't afford grooming,  or pet owner has passed on and now the pet is with family who have never had a pet.  Or LIFE  has just decided to LIFE. I feel that in my heart. I see the fear, the pain, the confusion and or embarrassment . And I know that with patience, gentleness, and time, I can give that pet relief and a fresh start. I've held pets that were breaking inside and watched them transform the moment the weight of their coat and their stress was lifted. They were like new pets, refreshed and ready for a great start. 

Through LC'S Detroit Pet Salon and LC'S Foundation, I make sure finances never stop a pet from getting the care they deserve. Whether it's offering free or low-cost grooming, partnering with the Michigan Humane Society, or stepping in for cruelty cases and families in crisis, I show up because every animal deserves to be seen, touched gently, and treated with kindness.

My impact is personal. It's in the wag of a tail after a grooming session. It's in a relieved owner who feels supported rather than judged. It's in knowing that, even if I can't fix the world, I can change this moment for this pet locally and internationally. 

That's what drives me.  Sometimes the smallest thing that could be huge for someone else, or make an impact.  You never know, so if I feel the need to do a nail trim or a groom for free, or clean up the dogs face , or do a tidy on them/sanitary clean. I am not only helping that pet, but I am helping that person.  It could be are conversation as they are telling me about themselves or how much their pet means to them, or how they ended up with their pet . I enjoy those  moments. That human connection.  I could go on and on.  That's why I do what I do. And that's how I know I'm making a difference. One pet, one family, one act of compassion at a time.

Thanks to our speakers, @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter - and everyone who joined us today! 

We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: How can you personally impact the life of a pet in need of grooming services but can't afford it?

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Accessible Pet Grooming Services for Underserved Populations," a conversation with @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter from Loving Paws Inc. 

Access to affordable and inclusive pet grooming services remains a significant challenge for many underserved communities, including the unhoused population, low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents of rural areas. This presentation examines the increasing demand for equitable pet care resources and highlights how accessible grooming services can enhance animal health, foster stronger human–animal bonds, and reduce shelter relinquishment. We will examine barriers such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and the scarcity of pet-friendly community programs. Additionally, we present innovative service models-including mobile grooming units, community-based partnerships, and subsidized care programs-that expand reach while maintaining quality and compassion. By identifying practical strategies and sharing successful case examples, this session aims to inspire stakeholders, service providers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating sustainable, inclusive grooming solutions that keep pets healthy and families together.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, return to home and intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing and communications staff, field services/animal control officers, grant writers/fundraisers - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Pet care is a public-health and dignity issue-not a luxury. Affordable grooming helps prevent skin infections, matting, parasites, and other health issues that affect both pets and their owners' well-being. Supporting these services is supporting community health.

• Access barriers-not lack of love-prevent many from caring for their pets. Transportation challenges, cost, and limited service locations mean many unhoused or low-income pet owners can't obtain grooming, even though they care deeply for their animals. Outreach-based or mobile solutions directly address these structural barriers.

• Small contributions create big impact. Whether through volunteering, donating supplies, funding mobile grooming units, or spreading awareness, individuals and organizations can play a meaningful role in keeping pets healthy and families together.
  
  

Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

Thanks to our speakers, @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter - and everyone who joined us today! 

We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: How can you personally impact the life of a pet in need of grooming services but can't afford it?

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Accessible Pet Grooming Services for Underserved Populations," a conversation with @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter from Loving Paws Inc. 

Access to affordable and inclusive pet grooming services remains a significant challenge for many underserved communities, including the unhoused population, low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents of rural areas. This presentation examines the increasing demand for equitable pet care resources and highlights how accessible grooming services can enhance animal health, foster stronger human–animal bonds, and reduce shelter relinquishment. We will examine barriers such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and the scarcity of pet-friendly community programs. Additionally, we present innovative service models-including mobile grooming units, community-based partnerships, and subsidized care programs-that expand reach while maintaining quality and compassion. By identifying practical strategies and sharing successful case examples, this session aims to inspire stakeholders, service providers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating sustainable, inclusive grooming solutions that keep pets healthy and families together.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, return to home and intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing and communications staff, field services/animal control officers, grant writers/fundraisers - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Pet care is a public-health and dignity issue-not a luxury. Affordable grooming helps prevent skin infections, matting, parasites, and other health issues that affect both pets and their owners' well-being. Supporting these services is supporting community health.

• Access barriers-not lack of love-prevent many from caring for their pets. Transportation challenges, cost, and limited service locations mean many unhoused or low-income pet owners can't obtain grooming, even though they care deeply for their animals. Outreach-based or mobile solutions directly address these structural barriers.

• Small contributions create big impact. Whether through volunteering, donating supplies, funding mobile grooming units, or spreading awareness, individuals and organizations can play a meaningful role in keeping pets healthy and families together.
  
  

Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

This is a really interesting question because I never really thought about it until now; I think the one thing is just watching and listening with intention - I think a lot of folks don't know what resources are available or what the longer-term impacts are in these situations. Appreciate the conversation.

Thanks to our speakers, @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter - and everyone who joined us today! 

We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: How can you personally impact the life of a pet in need of grooming services but can't afford it?

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Accessible Pet Grooming Services for Underserved Populations," a conversation with @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter from Loving Paws Inc. 

Access to affordable and inclusive pet grooming services remains a significant challenge for many underserved communities, including the unhoused population, low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents of rural areas. This presentation examines the increasing demand for equitable pet care resources and highlights how accessible grooming services can enhance animal health, foster stronger human–animal bonds, and reduce shelter relinquishment. We will examine barriers such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and the scarcity of pet-friendly community programs. Additionally, we present innovative service models-including mobile grooming units, community-based partnerships, and subsidized care programs-that expand reach while maintaining quality and compassion. By identifying practical strategies and sharing successful case examples, this session aims to inspire stakeholders, service providers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating sustainable, inclusive grooming solutions that keep pets healthy and families together.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, return to home and intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing and communications staff, field services/animal control officers, grant writers/fundraisers - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Pet care is a public-health and dignity issue-not a luxury. Affordable grooming helps prevent skin infections, matting, parasites, and other health issues that affect both pets and their owners' well-being. Supporting these services is supporting community health.

• Access barriers-not lack of love-prevent many from caring for their pets. Transportation challenges, cost, and limited service locations mean many unhoused or low-income pet owners can't obtain grooming, even though they care deeply for their animals. Outreach-based or mobile solutions directly address these structural barriers.

• Small contributions create big impact. Whether through volunteering, donating supplies, funding mobile grooming units, or spreading awareness, individuals and organizations can play a meaningful role in keeping pets healthy and families together.
  
  

Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

Thanks to our speakers, @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter - and everyone who joined us today! 

We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: How can you personally impact the life of a pet in need of grooming services but can't afford it?

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Accessible Pet Grooming Services for Underserved Populations," a conversation with @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter from Loving Paws Inc. 

Access to affordable and inclusive pet grooming services remains a significant challenge for many underserved communities, including the unhoused population, low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents of rural areas. This presentation examines the increasing demand for equitable pet care resources and highlights how accessible grooming services can enhance animal health, foster stronger human–animal bonds, and reduce shelter relinquishment. We will examine barriers such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and the scarcity of pet-friendly community programs. Additionally, we present innovative service models-including mobile grooming units, community-based partnerships, and subsidized care programs-that expand reach while maintaining quality and compassion. By identifying practical strategies and sharing successful case examples, this session aims to inspire stakeholders, service providers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating sustainable, inclusive grooming solutions that keep pets healthy and families together.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, return to home and intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing and communications staff, field services/animal control officers, grant writers/fundraisers - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Pet care is a public-health and dignity issue-not a luxury. Affordable grooming helps prevent skin infections, matting, parasites, and other health issues that affect both pets and their owners' well-being. Supporting these services is supporting community health.

• Access barriers-not lack of love-prevent many from caring for their pets. Transportation challenges, cost, and limited service locations mean many unhoused or low-income pet owners can't obtain grooming, even though they care deeply for their animals. Outreach-based or mobile solutions directly address these structural barriers.

• Small contributions create big impact. Whether through volunteering, donating supplies, funding mobile grooming units, or spreading awareness, individuals and organizations can play a meaningful role in keeping pets healthy and families together.
  
  

Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

Thanks to our speakers, @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter - and everyone who joined us today! 

We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: How can you personally impact the life of a pet in need of grooming services but can't afford it?

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA

Original Message:
Sent: 11-24-2025 05:49 PM
From: Sheila Kouhkan
Subject: Community Conversations - 12/1/2025 - Accessible Pet Grooming Services for Underserved Populations

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Accessible Pet Grooming Services for Underserved Populations," a conversation with @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter from Loving Paws Inc. 

Access to affordable and inclusive pet grooming services remains a significant challenge for many underserved communities, including the unhoused population, low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents of rural areas. This presentation examines the increasing demand for equitable pet care resources and highlights how accessible grooming services can enhance animal health, foster stronger human–animal bonds, and reduce shelter relinquishment. We will examine barriers such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and the scarcity of pet-friendly community programs. Additionally, we present innovative service models-including mobile grooming units, community-based partnerships, and subsidized care programs-that expand reach while maintaining quality and compassion. By identifying practical strategies and sharing successful case examples, this session aims to inspire stakeholders, service providers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating sustainable, inclusive grooming solutions that keep pets healthy and families together.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, return to home and intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing and communications staff, field services/animal control officers, grant writers/fundraisers - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Pet care is a public-health and dignity issue-not a luxury. Affordable grooming helps prevent skin infections, matting, parasites, and other health issues that affect both pets and their owners' well-being. Supporting these services is supporting community health.

• Access barriers-not lack of love-prevent many from caring for their pets. Transportation challenges, cost, and limited service locations mean many unhoused or low-income pet owners can't obtain grooming, even though they care deeply for their animals. Outreach-based or mobile solutions directly address these structural barriers.

• Small contributions create big impact. Whether through volunteering, donating supplies, funding mobile grooming units, or spreading awareness, individuals and organizations can play a meaningful role in keeping pets healthy and families together.
  
  

Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

#AccesstoCare
#CommunityPartnerships*
#EducationandTraining
#PetSupportServices*

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Accessible Pet Grooming Services for Underserved Populations," a conversation with @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter from Loving Paws Inc. 

Access to affordable and inclusive pet grooming services remains a significant challenge for many underserved communities, including the unhoused population, low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents of rural areas. This presentation examines the increasing demand for equitable pet care resources and highlights how accessible grooming services can enhance animal health, foster stronger human–animal bonds, and reduce shelter relinquishment. We will examine barriers such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and the scarcity of pet-friendly community programs. Additionally, we present innovative service models-including mobile grooming units, community-based partnerships, and subsidized care programs-that expand reach while maintaining quality and compassion. By identifying practical strategies and sharing successful case examples, this session aims to inspire stakeholders, service providers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating sustainable, inclusive grooming solutions that keep pets healthy and families together.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, return to home and intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing and communications staff, field services/animal control officers, grant writers/fundraisers - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Pet care is a public-health and dignity issue-not a luxury. Affordable grooming helps prevent skin infections, matting, parasites, and other health issues that affect both pets and their owners' well-being. Supporting these services is supporting community health.

• Access barriers-not lack of love-prevent many from caring for their pets. Transportation challenges, cost, and limited service locations mean many unhoused or low-income pet owners can't obtain grooming, even though they care deeply for their animals. Outreach-based or mobile solutions directly address these structural barriers.

• Small contributions create big impact. Whether through volunteering, donating supplies, funding mobile grooming units, or spreading awareness, individuals and organizations can play a meaningful role in keeping pets healthy and families together.
  
  

Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"What an awesome conversation! I love the work you guys are doing. I started a nonprofit after encountering so many dogs in our city with nowhere to go. I struggle with funding but refuse to give up! Any tips for a small rescue on funding?" - @daniel martinez

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Accessible Pet Grooming Services for Underserved Populations," a conversation with @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter from Loving Paws Inc. 

Access to affordable and inclusive pet grooming services remains a significant challenge for many underserved communities, including the unhoused population, low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents of rural areas. This presentation examines the increasing demand for equitable pet care resources and highlights how accessible grooming services can enhance animal health, foster stronger human–animal bonds, and reduce shelter relinquishment. We will examine barriers such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and the scarcity of pet-friendly community programs. Additionally, we present innovative service models-including mobile grooming units, community-based partnerships, and subsidized care programs-that expand reach while maintaining quality and compassion. By identifying practical strategies and sharing successful case examples, this session aims to inspire stakeholders, service providers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating sustainable, inclusive grooming solutions that keep pets healthy and families together.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, return to home and intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing and communications staff, field services/animal control officers, grant writers/fundraisers - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Pet care is a public-health and dignity issue-not a luxury. Affordable grooming helps prevent skin infections, matting, parasites, and other health issues that affect both pets and their owners' well-being. Supporting these services is supporting community health.

• Access barriers-not lack of love-prevent many from caring for their pets. Transportation challenges, cost, and limited service locations mean many unhoused or low-income pet owners can't obtain grooming, even though they care deeply for their animals. Outreach-based or mobile solutions directly address these structural barriers.

• Small contributions create big impact. Whether through volunteering, donating supplies, funding mobile grooming units, or spreading awareness, individuals and organizations can play a meaningful role in keeping pets healthy and families together.
  
  

Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Accessible Pet Grooming Services for Underserved Populations," a conversation with @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter from Loving Paws Inc. 

Access to affordable and inclusive pet grooming services remains a significant challenge for many underserved communities, including the unhoused population, low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents of rural areas. This presentation examines the increasing demand for equitable pet care resources and highlights how accessible grooming services can enhance animal health, foster stronger human–animal bonds, and reduce shelter relinquishment. We will examine barriers such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and the scarcity of pet-friendly community programs. Additionally, we present innovative service models-including mobile grooming units, community-based partnerships, and subsidized care programs-that expand reach while maintaining quality and compassion. By identifying practical strategies and sharing successful case examples, this session aims to inspire stakeholders, service providers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating sustainable, inclusive grooming solutions that keep pets healthy and families together.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, return to home and intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing and communications staff, field services/animal control officers, grant writers/fundraisers - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Pet care is a public-health and dignity issue-not a luxury. Affordable grooming helps prevent skin infections, matting, parasites, and other health issues that affect both pets and their owners' well-being. Supporting these services is supporting community health.

• Access barriers-not lack of love-prevent many from caring for their pets. Transportation challenges, cost, and limited service locations mean many unhoused or low-income pet owners can't obtain grooming, even though they care deeply for their animals. Outreach-based or mobile solutions directly address these structural barriers.

• Small contributions create big impact. Whether through volunteering, donating supplies, funding mobile grooming units, or spreading awareness, individuals and organizations can play a meaningful role in keeping pets healthy and families together.
  
  

Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"I have been a groomer for 27 years and groomed in shelters too for free. How do you fund this?" - @April Cannizzaro

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Accessible Pet Grooming Services for Underserved Populations," a conversation with @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter from Loving Paws Inc. 

Access to affordable and inclusive pet grooming services remains a significant challenge for many underserved communities, including the unhoused population, low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents of rural areas. This presentation examines the increasing demand for equitable pet care resources and highlights how accessible grooming services can enhance animal health, foster stronger human–animal bonds, and reduce shelter relinquishment. We will examine barriers such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and the scarcity of pet-friendly community programs. Additionally, we present innovative service models-including mobile grooming units, community-based partnerships, and subsidized care programs-that expand reach while maintaining quality and compassion. By identifying practical strategies and sharing successful case examples, this session aims to inspire stakeholders, service providers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating sustainable, inclusive grooming solutions that keep pets healthy and families together.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, return to home and intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing and communications staff, field services/animal control officers, grant writers/fundraisers - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Pet care is a public-health and dignity issue-not a luxury. Affordable grooming helps prevent skin infections, matting, parasites, and other health issues that affect both pets and their owners' well-being. Supporting these services is supporting community health.

• Access barriers-not lack of love-prevent many from caring for their pets. Transportation challenges, cost, and limited service locations mean many unhoused or low-income pet owners can't obtain grooming, even though they care deeply for their animals. Outreach-based or mobile solutions directly address these structural barriers.

• Small contributions create big impact. Whether through volunteering, donating supplies, funding mobile grooming units, or spreading awareness, individuals and organizations can play a meaningful role in keeping pets healthy and families together.
  
  

Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

Hello April,

That's amazing!  Being able to help these helpless fur babies get a better shot at finding their forever home is important.  We do crowdfunding on social media, posting stories about the pets that we help and asking for donations.  There are small grants that you can apply for that assist with funding for grooming  (Red Rover,  PetSmart, etc).   You can research grants from different Foundations that want to help get pets adopted.   I hope I helped some!  Good luck in all your endeavors!

Terryl Daluz

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"I have been a groomer for 27 years and groomed in shelters too for free. How do you fund this?" - @April Cannizzaro

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Accessible Pet Grooming Services for Underserved Populations," a conversation with @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter from Loving Paws Inc. 

Access to affordable and inclusive pet grooming services remains a significant challenge for many underserved communities, including the unhoused population, low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents of rural areas. This presentation examines the increasing demand for equitable pet care resources and highlights how accessible grooming services can enhance animal health, foster stronger human–animal bonds, and reduce shelter relinquishment. We will examine barriers such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and the scarcity of pet-friendly community programs. Additionally, we present innovative service models-including mobile grooming units, community-based partnerships, and subsidized care programs-that expand reach while maintaining quality and compassion. By identifying practical strategies and sharing successful case examples, this session aims to inspire stakeholders, service providers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating sustainable, inclusive grooming solutions that keep pets healthy and families together.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, return to home and intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing and communications staff, field services/animal control officers, grant writers/fundraisers - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Pet care is a public-health and dignity issue-not a luxury. Affordable grooming helps prevent skin infections, matting, parasites, and other health issues that affect both pets and their owners' well-being. Supporting these services is supporting community health.

• Access barriers-not lack of love-prevent many from caring for their pets. Transportation challenges, cost, and limited service locations mean many unhoused or low-income pet owners can't obtain grooming, even though they care deeply for their animals. Outreach-based or mobile solutions directly address these structural barriers.

• Small contributions create big impact. Whether through volunteering, donating supplies, funding mobile grooming units, or spreading awareness, individuals and organizations can play a meaningful role in keeping pets healthy and families together.
  
  

Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

Updated 12/1/25 at 1:06 pm - Recording now available to watch on-demand!

Enter here for a chance to win the December Community Conversations giveaway after watching live or on-demand.

Please note: All views expressed on these calls are not necessarily endorsed by Maddie's Fund.

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for "Accessible Pet Grooming Services for Underserved Populations," a conversation with @TERRYL Daluz and @Andrea Carter from Loving Paws Inc. 

Access to affordable and inclusive pet grooming services remains a significant challenge for many underserved communities, including the unhoused population, low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and residents of rural areas. This presentation examines the increasing demand for equitable pet care resources and highlights how accessible grooming services can enhance animal health, foster stronger human–animal bonds, and reduce shelter relinquishment. We will examine barriers such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and the scarcity of pet-friendly community programs. Additionally, we present innovative service models-including mobile grooming units, community-based partnerships, and subsidized care programs-that expand reach while maintaining quality and compassion. By identifying practical strategies and sharing successful case examples, this session aims to inspire stakeholders, service providers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating sustainable, inclusive grooming solutions that keep pets healthy and families together.

This session is especially relevant for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, return to home and intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals, behavior staff & volunteers, marketing and communications staff, field services/animal control officers, grant writers/fundraisers - but all are welcome! 

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Pet care is a public-health and dignity issue-not a luxury. Affordable grooming helps prevent skin infections, matting, parasites, and other health issues that affect both pets and their owners' well-being. Supporting these services is supporting community health.

• Access barriers-not lack of love-prevent many from caring for their pets. Transportation challenges, cost, and limited service locations mean many unhoused or low-income pet owners can't obtain grooming, even though they care deeply for their animals. Outreach-based or mobile solutions directly address these structural barriers.

• Small contributions create big impact. Whether through volunteering, donating supplies, funding mobile grooming units, or spreading awareness, individuals and organizations can play a meaningful role in keeping pets healthy and families together.
  
  

Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the monthly giveaway drawing entry form. 

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom. If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

#AccesstoCare
#CommunityPartnerships*
#EducationandTraining
#PetSupportServices*

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------