BIRCHBARK OFFERS FINANCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT TO SAVE PETS AND STRENGTHEN FAMILIES By Rebecca Genauer
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ne of the beautiful things about our Central Coast community is its recognition of how closely the well-being of our pets is tied to our own well-being. Everywhere we look, we see pets living their best lives, we see families invested in being strong advocates for their pets and we see the joy that comes from the loving relationships people share with their furry friends. BirchBark stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to preserving that connection. Founded in 2013 by Merrianne Burtch, DVM, DACVIM, a local internal medicine veterinarian, BirchBark emerged in response to a heart-wrenching reality faced by many pet owners: the unbearable choice of economic euthanasia. Burtch and her colleagues repeatedly witnessed the anguish of pet parents who, unable to afford life-saving veterinary care, were forced to consider euthanizing a beloved pet — not because the pet’s condition was untreatable, but simply because the cost of the care was beyond reach.
Recognizing this gap, BirchBark partnered with over 30 veterinary clinics across Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties to ensure no family would have to say goodbye to a pet due to financial hardship. Through its PetAid Financial Assistance program, BirchBark has become a vital resource for families struggling with the rising costs of veterinary care. The program, supported by the community’s generosity, has helped keep countless pets alive and well, fostering the enduring relationships that bring so much joy to both animals and their humans. Over the past decade, BirchBark has expanded its reach, offering three core programs supporting the human-animal bond at every stage of pet ownership. In addition to financial aid, the organization provides Pet Loss Grief Support, offering weekly group and one-on-one counseling sessions, and educational webinars on various pet-related topics — all at no cost to the public. Earlier this year, BirchBark was awarded a grant from the Grey Muzzle Organization, one of only 100 recip-
ients nationwide. The funds will be used to launch a pilot program aimed at providing basic care for pets whose guardians live in low-income senior housing, further extending BirchBark’s mission to ensure that all pets, regardless of their owners’ financial situation, can live healthy and happy lives. As BirchBark looks to the future, it remains dedicated to finding innovative ways to support the human-animal bond. Whether you’re in the early days of pet ownership or facing the pain of losing a beloved companion, BirchBark invites you to take part in its programs and community events. For those interested in learning more about BirchBark’s work, volunteering or offering financial support, the organization welcomes you to visit their website, contact them via email or stop by their office in Santa Cruz. Visit: www.birchbarkfoundation.org Email: info@birchbarkfoundation.org Phone: (831) 471-7255
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