On May 15, 2015, we officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit – our IRS letter arrived, and our journey began. Like many grassroots organizations, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were starts and stops, and it wasn’t until late 2017 that our programming truly got off the ground.
But from day one, we worked with partners.
Our first-ever pilot event was held with Saving Sunny, where we provided vet care to around 50 pets. That day set the tone for what Pets4Life would become: collaborative, community-based, and focused on keeping pets and people together.
In 2018 and 2019, My Dog Eats First became a crucial partner. Their support and belief in our mission helped shape our early path—and honestly, without them, Pets4Life might not be here today.
When COVID-19 hit, we paused briefly—but we didn’t stop. We shifted to a new service model that allowed us to keep reaching pet families safely. And by 2022–2023, we were in a period of regrowth, expanding our outreach through Louisville Parks and Recreation Community Centers.
But we also knew something: our volunteer-based model had limits. To grow, we needed more.
In 2024, everything changed. We were selected as one of only 11 organizations nationwide to receive a PetSmart Charities Incubator Grant. This transformative support is helping us build a sustainable future, one where we can continue serving pets—and their people—for decades to come.
We may not have the biggest social media following. We might still be unknown to many.
But what keeps us going is knowing that we’re making a real difference, one pet family at a time.
Thank you to everyone—partners, donors, volunteers, and friends—who has walked alongside us on this journey. Your support helps people keep their Pets4Life. 💛
Here’s to the next 10 years. 🐾
