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The Crisis of Economic Euthanasia & Surrender

Every day, beloved pets are euthanized not because they can’t be treated, but because their families simply cannot afford the cost of care. Rising costs are making veterinary services increasingly inaccessible for many pet families. In the past ten years, the inflation rate for veterinary services has increased at twice the rate of the consumer price index.

An estimated 500,000 animals fall victim to economic euthanasia each year – a tragic situation where treatable medical conditions become death sentences due to financial constraints. This number doesn't include pets that are surrendered to shelters because their families cannot afford necessary care.

The Petworking Angel Fund has been established to create a financial safety net for pet owners facing impossible choices. We partner with shelters and veterinary clinics to help pets and pet families confronted with an unexpected veterinary emergency where they cannot afford treatment.

500,000
Pets Lost to Economic Euthanasia Yearly

2.7x
Higher Suicide Rate Among Veterinarians

100%
Preventable with Proper Support

.

EVENT DETAILS

Event Name: A Shoulder Season Soiree: An Evening To Keep Families Together

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: Vermont National Country Club, 1227 Dorset Street, South Burlington, VT 05403

Ticket Price: $100 per person (Tickets are available for purchase here.)

Event Type: Fundraising Gala & Silent Auction

About This Event

Join Petworking for an elegant evening at Vermont National Country Club as we launch the Angel Fund—a critical initiative to prevent economic euthanasia and surrender, with a focus on keeping families together when veterinary costs become insurmountable.

Recent data reveals a crisis: one in five pet owners carry over $2,000 in pet debt, veterinary costs have risen 60% since 2014, and most pet parents cannot afford more than $1,000 for emergency care. The result? Pets are euthanized or surrendered not because they're untreatable, but because families can't afford the care.

The Angel Fund addresses both sides of this heartbreaking reality—helping families afford necessary care AND reducing the moral distress veterinarians experience when forced to recommend euthanasia for treatable conditions.

What's Included

Your $100 ticket includes:

Two drink tickets for beer, wine, or cocktails
Full dinner buffet
Hors d'oeuvres
Silent auction with unique items and experiences
Raffle Prizes
Networking with Vermont's passionate pet care community
Live presentations about the Angel Fund's mission and impact

How Proceeds Are Used

Through our 501(c)(3) partnership with the Rescue Spot Foundation, 100% of ticket proceeds go directly to the Angel Fund. The Angel Fund partners with veterinarians and shelters to make grants to families can't afford necessary lifesaving veterinary care. Your support will:

Provide emergency funds to families facing impossible financial decisions
Reduce veterinary burnout by giving vets resources to save treatable pets
Create a sustainable model that can be replicated nationwide
Address a crisis affecting hundreds of thousands of pets annually

Dress Code

Business casual to cocktail attire. Come comfortable and ready to enjoy an evening of Vermont hospitality.

Parking & Accessibility

Free parking is available on-site at Vermont National Country Club. The venue is wheelchair accessible. Please contact us at petworking@maiastrategy.com if you have specific accessibility needs.

Can't Attend?

If you can't join us on November 15th but want to support the Angel Fund, you can make a direct donation through this PetFundr campaign. Every dollar helps prevent economic euthanasia and keeps families together.

Together, we can ensure that no family has to say goodbye to a beloved pet simply because they can't afford the care. Join us for an unforgettable evening of purpose, community, and hope.