CARE

Healthy pets live happier lives, and spay and neuter plays a big role in that.

💗 Beyond preventing unwanted litters, these procedures support long-term wellness and reduce the risk of serious medical conditions.

From lowering cancer risks to reducing behaviors like spraying and roaming, the benefits go far beyond what many people expect. It’s a decision that impacts both individual pets and the wider community.

💚 There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Small breeds, large breeds, and cats may all have different recommendations, so it’s important to make the decision with guidance from your veterinarian.

🧡 Community Animal CARE (CAC) includes sharing information so we can prevent, treat at home and know when to call a Vet. Sharing is CARING.

🐕‍🦺 Canine parvovirus is one of the most serious illnesses a dog can face. It’s highly contagious, often fatal, and spreads easily through contact with infected pets or contaminated environments like bedding, bowls, and even human hands.

Puppies, senior pets, and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk. Symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, severe diarrhea, and loss of appetite can appear quickly and worsen fast.

💚 The good news is that parvo is preventable. Vaccination, avoiding high-risk areas before full protection, and early veterinary care can save lives.

🧡 Community Animal CARE (CAC) includes sharing information so we can prevent, treat at home and know when to call a Vet. Sharing is CARING.

🧠 Are you pet smart?

From pet trivia to real-world knowledge of CARE, game show contestants put their skills to the test during our “Are You Pet Smart?” Jeopardy-style game at this year’s The Gathering — sponsored by PetSmart Charities.

🏆 Winners will receive Direct CARE funding for their local nonprofit veterinary clinics to help neighborhood pets and people.

Extra Special Thanks to PetSmart Charities for supporting The Gathering!

FEATURED SPEAKER: Carlos Aponte

On Wednesday, Carlos will be leading the workshop called “A Seat at the Table: How Youth engagement will take your programming to the next level.”
 
Young adults are often overlooked and under utilized within animal centric organizations. You will leave this workshop with actionable steps and a one pager to correctly engage young adults in order for them to multiply your impact. 
 
Carlos is a lifelong Philadelphian who traces his culture to the Island of Puerto Rico. After close to a decade inside of the classroom, Carlos realized the shortcomings of traditional education. With the help of his students, Carlos decided to create the 501c3 non profit organization, We Love Philly. We Love Philly provides state recognized pre apprenticeship courses to ensure high school students graduate with their diplomas. After graduation, students are provided pathways to livable wage career apprenticeship programs. Carlos sits on the Board of Directors of the Nelson Foundation, The Penn Treaty Museum, and The Pennsylvania Chapter of LULAC. Carlos is also a proud Prince Hall Free Mason.