7th Annual Bags & Baubles,

Brooke Haggerty

Mission: To enhance and preserve the quality of life of animals by providing access to necessary medical care and education.

Established in 2006 by a group of veterinarians and concerned community members, the Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public charity that provides financial grants for animal owners who are unable to afford the cost of their pet’s emergency or critical care.

The Problem: Economic Euthanasia

Each year, many animals are brought to their veterinarian with life-threatening conditions. Sadly, many owners cannot afford the critical care their beloved pets need to survive. They are left with one choice—euthanasia. According to the San Diego Animal Welfare Coalition’s most recent statistics (July 2014-June 2015), 1,134 animals specifically categorized as “treatable” were euthanized. This alarming total does not include the number of treatable pets euthanized in veterinary hospitals – a number that veterinarians do not report. According to CPI reports, 15.7% of San Diegans fall below poverty level and 33% of San Diegans do not earn enough to cover basic expenses.

The Solution: The Save A Life Program

FACE’s Save A Life Program was created to address the tragedy of economic euthanasia. What started out as a beautiful vision to stop the surrender and euthanasia of beloved family pets has become a supportive center where families in crisis can get a helping hand to save their pets’ lives. FACE grantees are typically low-income families, senior citizens, veterans, military families, students, disabled individuals, or hard-working families and individuals who struggle to survive paycheck to paycheck. With a tagline of “Saving Pets and Helping Families,” FACE’s work is just as important for the animals we save as it is for the families who are spared the heartbreak of losing their best friend. Check out our Success Stories page to meet some of the animals FACE has saved!