The Pet Overpopulation Fund is a specific charitable fund created
by the State to aid animal care and control agencies, veterinarians
and local communities working together to curb pet overpopulation.
Controlling pet overpopulation saves animals’ lives. Last
year alone, over 35,000 dogs and cats were euthanized because
there were too few homes. It is not only the animal that suffers
when a perfectly healthy pet must be destroyed. The person euthanizing
the animal pays an emotional price as well. By controlling the
number of unplanned pet births, we can reduce the number destroyed.
The Fund's goal is to eliminate euthanasia of dogs and cats in
Colorado that result from random breeding. We believe this can
best be accomplished in two ways -- by subsidizing spay/neuter
services, and by supporting public education progarms throughout
Colorado. Thanks to Colorado animal lovers who contribute to this
effort, the Fund is able to make grants to local programs that
show promise of reducing pet overpopulation in underserved areas
of the state. Animal care and control organizations and local
veterinarians are working together to ensure that pets will no
longer die needlessly in Colorado.
You can donate any amount to the Pet Overpopulation Fund on your
Colorado State income tax return. Simply enter the amount
you wish to contribute on the appropriate line toward the end of your tax form,
and the state of Colorado will forward the designated amount to
the Fund. You can also contribute at any time directly to the
Fund by sending a donation to 1805 S. Bellaire Street, Suite 400, Denver,
CO 80222. Checks can be made out to the Pet Overpopulation Fund.
Your donation is tax deductible.
A donation to any charitable state check-off program will come
directly out of your state income tax refund. Your donation is
tax deductible and can be given in the amount of your choice.
There is no minimum donation to the Pet Overpopulation Fund, and
every dollar helps save the lives of Colorado’s pets.
You donation will help fund grants to make euthanasia due to pet
overpopulation a thing of the past. Grants subsidize the sterilization
of dogs and cats throughout Colorado through collaborative efforts
among local veterinarians and animal care and control agencies.
The Fund will also create and implement educational programs that
encourage citizens of Colorado to have thier pets spayed or neutered.
The current Members of Board for the Pet Overpopulation Fund are
Martha Smith of the All Breed Rescue Network, David Gies of the
Animal Assistance Foundation, Joe Stafford of the Colorado Association
of Animal Control Officers, Kate Anderson, DVM of the Colorado
Department of Agriculture, Bob Rohde of the Colorado Federation
of Animal Welfare Agencies, Ralph Johnson of the Colorado Veterinary
Medical Association, and Jayme Nielson- Foley, member at large. All board
members serve without compensation for a period of two or three
years and donate their time in support of the Fund’s cause.
They are appointed by the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture.
The Pet Overpopulation Fund developed this tagline as a friendly
reminder of the importance of your contribution to this animal
life-saving cause. Your donation will help save many cats, dogs,
and other companion animals from euthanasia due to overpopulation.
