PC Essentials

Phillip Cares Essentials, (PC Essentials), is an animal welfare organization that helps low-income pet owners access essential food, toys, and veterinary care in Alabama. Our program was created in 2024 to fill a critical gap in services for pet owners who are at risk of losing their pets due to financial difficulties. We focus on preventing pet abandonment before it happens by offering practical assistance, making it easier for families to meet their pet’s needs. We believe that by helping people care for their animals, we are also promoting stronger, more responsible pet ownership in the community.

Core Services

PC Essentials provides several key services that help pet owners ensure their pets stay healthy, happy, and well cared for. For food, toys, and veterinary care, approved pet owners receive up to $50 that can be redeemed through one of our partners, or we will order items directly and have the items mailed to the pet owner’s home. Our core services include:

  1. Pet Food Assistance: We know that for many low-income families, consistently affording pet food is a challenge. To prevent pets from going hungry or being surrendered, we provide families with financial assistance and access to food for their pets.
  2. Toys and Pet Care Items: Pets deserve more than just the basics; they also need enrichment and comfort. We provide families with essential items like toys, leashes, grooming supplies, and beds. This support helps families strengthen the bond they share with their pets while ensuring that their animals live healthy, active lives.
  3. Veterinary Care Support: Routine veterinary care is critical for a pet’s long-term well-being, but it’s often out of reach for many families. To address this, we offer financial assistance to offset the cost for routine check-ups, vaccinations, and wellness visits at our partner clinics. Theis support is designed for preventative care, not emergencies, but it goes a long way toward keeping pets healthy and avoiding future medical issues.
  4. Private Facebook Group: In addition to financial assistance, we believe that building a supportive community is key to promoting responsible pet ownership. We host a private Facebook group where pet owners can connect with each other, share advice, and discuss pet care challenges. This group also includes veterinarians and pet care experts who occasionally offer free advice and guidance through live Q&A sessions. It’s a safe space where people can find the emotional and practical support they need.
  5. Coordination of Resources and Referrals: While we provide essential services, we know that some pet owners need additional help; whether it’s training for their pets or more advanced medical care. We don’t offer these services directly, but we do provide coordination of resources and referrals to trusted partners in the community. Through this network, we connect families with trainers, veterinarians, and other animal welfare services that can meet their specific needs. This approach ensures that pet owners have access to comprehensive support, even if we can’t provide every service ourselves.
  6. Special Support for Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and a Pandemic, or Natural Disasters: We understand that certain situations, like domestic violence, sexual assault, or a pandemic, or natural disasters, put pet owners in especially difficult circumstances. For individuals facing these hardships, we waive low-income requirements and offer immediate support to ensure their pets are cared for, no matter the situation. Whether they are fleeing to a shelter or recovering from a disaster, we make sure these vulnerable families don’t have to give up their pets.
  7. Public Awareness and Education: Through social media campaigns, community outreach, and events, we educate the public about responsible pet ownership, the importance of preventive care, and the resources available to pet owners in financial hardship. These efforts support our mission to prevent pet abandonment, while promoting greater community involvement and understanding of the challenges low-income pet owners face.

Download the application and veterinarian practices listed below in pdf form to get started.

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