The Heigl Foundation's Networking Program is designed to support approved non-profit animal rescue and advocacy organizations in their efforts to save shelter animals. By pledging donations to at risk shelter dogs and cats, the JDHF encourages rescue groups to save more animals from imminent euthanasia.
A pledged donation helps to cover the enormous expense that rescue organizations face with every animal that they take into their care. This expenditure includes medical bills, veterinary care and boarding.
The added security of financial support from the Heigl Foundation can often determine whether rescuers are able to save an animal from a shelter or not.
There are currently over 100 approved rescue groups that have qualified for funding from the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation. In order to be eligible for assistance an organization must complete an application form, submit a 501(c)(3) determination letter, a copy of the adoption application and their current adoption contract. The funding approval process ensures that we only support responsible and reputable organizations.
In 2010, networking donations were provided for 248 animals and in 2011 this figure is expected to double, with approximately 250 grants having been made in the first six months of the year.
The majority of animals that enter the shelter system in the United States are euthanized. A pledged donation can mean the difference between life and death.
The Networking Program helps to promote the adoption of companion pets from local shelters by encouraging organizations to rescue more animals and find them loving homes.
The JDHF actively discourages the public from purchasing dogs from pet stores that obtain animals from commercial factories known commonly as "puppy mills".
Puppy mills are substandard commercial breeding programs that operate with an emphasis on profit above animal welfare. Poor living conditions result in the development of chronic health problems, temperament issues and hereditary defects in animals that are bred in these environments.
We are committed to raising public awareness of the horrors of puppy mills and to the process of educating business owners to implement a humane model that ensures rescued pets are available for adoption in their stores rather than animals that have been acquired from irresponsible commercial breeders.