Seniors can receive free wellness exams for pets.

PHOENIXVILLE » The Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation will be hosting a Share the Love event on Saturday, April 28, at the Phoenixville Area Senior Center, 153 Church St.

This veterinary care event is for dogs and cats of local senior citizens and will feature local veterinarians and technicians sharing the love of their profession by donating their time to provide basic exams, vaccinations, flea and tick treatment, microchipping and nail trims. This event coincides with World Veterinary Day, which is celebrated annually on the last Saturday in April.

Share the Love will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only.

PVF began sharing the love for senior citizens in Chester County in 2016 when it created its Henry’s Helping Paws Fund. This pilot program began with a partnership with Meals on Wheels in Chester County. It provided free pet food to senior citizen’s pets, which allowed owners and their beloved pets to stay together.

In an effort to expand the program to not only offer pet food, but to also provide veterinary care grants to the animals, PVF was able to secure a grant from PetSmart Charities, the leading funder of animal welfare in North America. This grant for more than $18,000 made the Share the Love event possible, along with The Last Chance Fund, the foundation’s grant program that helps to pay for veterinary care for animals in need.

“We hope to be able to help 100 animals that day,” says Foundation Chairman Dr. Malcolm Kram. “We know the power of pets and their beneficial impact on people’s lives. This event will take away some of financial burden that senior citizens with pets have living on restricted incomes while keeping pets healthy. Hopefully, with continued grants and the public’s help, we can pursue sharing the love throughout the entire state of Pennsylvania.”

“We are proud to support the Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation’s innovative approach to increasing access to quality care for pets of senior citizens. Their work will give senior pet parents the resources they need to keep their loyal companions by their sides,” said Sima Thakkar, regional relationship manager at PetSmart Charities.

Who qualifies? Seniors, age 62 and over, who are on a fixed or low income and are located in Chester County are eligible for this event.

Seniors who would like to take advantage of these free services are encouraged to call PVF at 888550-7862 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to make an appointment for their pet or go online PaVetFoundation.org/ SharetheLove.

This is an appointment-only event, and unfortunately, cannot accommodate walk-ins. This event will provide basic care for pets. If further veterinary care is needed, PVF will provide a care voucher, up to $500, that can be redeemed at the veterinary practice listed on the voucher.