Animal Alliance of East Kentucky Receives $500 Petco Love Grant

The Animal Alliance of East Kentucky is set to receive a $500 grant from national nonprofit Petco Love to support the organization’s efforts to provide affordable veterinary care and spay and neuter services across Eastern Kentucky.

The grant is part of more than $1.2 million in investments recently announced by Petco Love for nearly 200 spay/neuter clinics and other low-cost veterinary care providers nationwide. The funding is intended to increase access to veterinary services, reduce economic euthanasia and help prevent families from having to surrender pets because they cannot afford needed treatment.

Animal Alliance of East Kentucky serves residents in Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin and Martin counties. The volunteer-driven nonprofit has provided spay and neuter services in the region since 2017, focusing on low-income families who otherwise may not be able to afford the procedures.

According to the organization, AAEKY has spayed and neutered more than 2,500 pets since its inception, averaging about 270 pets each year.

“Every spay and neuter surgery represents a healthier pet and one more family receiving the support they need to care for their pet,” said Cassie Picklesimer, vice president of Animal Alliance of East Kentucky.

Picklesimer said the Petco Love investment will help the organization expand access to affordable veterinary care, reduce pet overpopulation and improve the lives of pets and their owners throughout Eastern Kentucky.

“Petco Love’s investment is more than financial assistance — it is an investment in the well-being of our communities across Eastern Kentucky,” Picklesimer said. “Their partnership allows Animal Alliance of East Kentucky to expand access to affordable veterinary care, reduce pet overpopulation, and improve the lives of both pets and the people who love them.”

Petco Love President Chelsea Staley said the organization recognizes that many pet owners face financial challenges that can make veterinary care difficult to afford.

“Petco Love knows pets are family and we strive to take care of them the best we can, though the reality is not everyone has equal access to veterinary care as many pet parents face difficult financial times,” Staley said.

Petco Love also highlighted its Vaccinated and Loved campaign, which reached a milestone of distributing 4 million free pet vaccines for family pets in February 2026. The campaign began in 2021 and encourages animal welfare partners to host free vaccination clinics.

In addition to spay and neuter services, Animal Alliance of East Kentucky promotes responsible pet ownership, humane treatment of animals and community education. The organization also works with rescue partners and hosts its annual Woofstock Music Event, which features local musicians and fundraising activities.

For more information about Animal Alliance of East Kentucky, visit aaeky.org. Petco Love information is available at petcolove.org.