Pets and their people celebrate their victory in the “best costume” contest at a recent VetBros Pet Education Charitable Fund event. This year’s fundraiser takes place on August 4.
Photography provided by Chicago Sauces and Healthier Covelli with L&C Photography
Dr. knows Mondrian Contreras that pets are family. That’s why he founded the VetBros Pet Education Charitable Fund, a nonprofit that helps families in financial crisis take care of any expenses for veterinary services.
The VetBros Care Program is a network of vets that provide a variety of services to ensure pets stay healthy, regardless of what their owners can afford.
“As veterinary care costs continue to rise, many pet owners are limited in their ability to provide proper care for their pets, forcing many dog owners to it’s a difficult choice to forgo veterinary care because they can’t afford the costs,” Contreras, who works at Carol Steam Animal Hospital, said in an email. “Through our charitable fund, we’ve helped hundreds, if not thousands, of dogs by providing them with life-saving surgeries that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible.”
A proud third place finisher in one of the contests at the last VetBros Pet Education Charitable Fund event. Funds from the event help pay for veterinary expenses for families in financial crisis.
Photography provided by Chicago Sauces and Healthier Covelli with L&C Photography
On Sunday, August 4, the seventh annual VetBros Charity Dog Show will be held to help raise funds for this nonprofit. It will take place in the Carol Stream Town Center and will include lots of activities for the whole family — including your dog.
Contreras talks about the upcoming event, as well as how the VetBros Pet Education Charitable Fund is helping people around the suburbs and beyond.
Q: What is the VetBros Pet Education Charitable Fund?
A: The VetBros Pet Education Charitable Fund is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a better world for pets and their families by providing access to essential medical care and education. Our mission is to save pet lives and educate pet owners in preventive medical care, especially in underserved communities, ensuring that families and their pets will live longer, healthier lives together.
In particular, VetBros serves pet owners experiencing financial hardship by providing financial assistance for life-saving pet medical care through our network of 50-plus veterinarian. Additionally, we offer preventive care educational programs for all pet owners and children through schools and community groups, which help prevent problems. on pet health before they appear.
Children get information about the VetBros Pet Education Charitable Fund at the previous Charity Dog Show. The organization is looking for volunteers and sponsors for their program.
Photography provided by Chicago Sauces and Healthier Covelli with L&C Photography
VetBros support ensures that pets with treatable conditions are not euthanized due to financial constraints, helps alleviate mental health burdens on pet owners and veterinarians, and reducing the number of pets abandoned or surrendered for rescue. These services establish a strong foundation for long-term pet health and family unity, while promoting the well-being of underserved populations.
Q: How many people do you serve each year?
A: Overall, we estimate that VetBros reaches several thousand pet lovers each year through educational outreach or financial assistance. In 2023, we provided financial assistance for medical care and life-saving services to four families and their pets and 30 rescue animals. We have provided educational programs for over 53 community groups, including schools, Scout troops and Junior Achievement.
Q: Where do most of your funds come from to support this program?
A: Most of our funds come from individual donors within the local community who believe in our mission. Our annual fundraising event, the VetBros Charity Dog Show, is our primary fundraising effort that brings together local businesses, organizations, animal rescue organizations, residents and community members to support this purpose.
Q: Tell us about the upcoming Charity Dog Show and Carol Stream Chamber Foundation 5K.
A: The seventh annual VetBros Charity Dog Show is a free community event featuring music, food and entertainment throughout the day. There will be pet contests like Best Trick and Best Costume, dog races, 50-plus local vendors, food trucks, raffle prizes and fun activities for both pets and people. The day will also feature training demonstrations, the “Puppy Pub,” and a water play area and agility arena.
The dog tried the agility course at the previous VetBros Charity Dog Show. The seventh annual event will take place on August 4 in Carol Stream. Families and their pets are welcome to participate.
Photography provided by Chicago Sauces and Healthier Covelli with L&C Photography
The event runs from 10 am to 3 pm Sunday, August 4, at the Carol Stream Town Center; visit vetbrospeteducation.org/ for a full event schedule. It is free for all attendees, with an entry fee to enter your pet in the competitions ($10 per dog breed and $15 per contest).
This year, VetBros is partnering with the Carol Stream Chamber Foundation, hosting its annual 5K race/walk benefiting the Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Foundation prior to the charity dog show. Participants will help fund college scholarships for Carol Stream students through Strides for Scholars.
The race is at 8:30 am, with registration from 7:30-8:15 am Closing and awards are from 9:35-9:55 am Registration is $45 and your furry friends are welcome to run/walk with you.
For both events (5K or dog show), pre-registration is encouraged, but will be available at the event. Register online for the 5K by August 3. Sign up to participate at vetbrospeteducation.org/charity-dog-show–5k-run.
For 5K questions, contact Chamber CEO Jane Hove at (630) 665-3325. For the charity dog show, contact Stephanie Vertucci at [email protected].
Q: How can readers help your organization?
A: We want readers to come to our events, sign up their dogs for fun competitions, volunteer, donate, spread the word or just come and enjoy the company of so many great animals. RSVP, sponsor, or volunteer at: vetbrospeteducation.org/charity-dog-show.
A dog jumps through a hoop during the talent contest at the previous VetBros Charity Dog Show. There are various contests for dogs and their owners during the event.
Photography provided by Chicago Sauces and Healthier Covelli with L&C Photography
Readers can also make a difference by making a financial donation to support pets in need and their families; volunteering to help with charity dog shows, parades or other initiatives throughout the year; referring VetBros to a school or community group that could benefit from pet health care education; and by joining our veterinarian member network to provide charitable pet care to pet owners experiencing financial hardship.
Q: What else would you like readers to know?
A: Your readers can win a free raffle ticket for the Grand Prize at the VetBros Charity Dog Show! Just email us at [email protected] and we’ll send you a printable raffle ticket postcard and add you to our email list. Bring your ticket to the dog show for a chance to win a grand prize; you don’t have to be there to win.
A puppy gives its owner a high-five during a talent contest at the previous VetBros Charity Dog Show. Funds support a program that helps families in financial crisis pay for their veterinary bills.
Photography provided by Chicago Sauces and Healthier Covelli with L&C Photography
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VetBros Charity Dog Show
What: A fundraiser for the VetBros Pet Education Charitable Fund
When: 10 am to 3 pm Sunday, August 4
where: Carol Stream Town Center, Gary Avenue and Lies Road
Cost: Free; fees for participating in contests
Details: vetbrospeteducation.org/charity-dog-show–5k-run or email Stephanie Vertucci at [email protected]
Carol Stream Chamber Foundation 5K
What: Benefits the Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Foundation
When: 8:30 am, with registration from 7:30-8:15 am
Cost: $45; register by August 3
Details: vetbrospeteducation.org/charity-dog-show–5k-run or contact Chamber CEO Jane Hove at (630) 665-3325
