Dallas, TX – For no-kill shelters such as the Humane Society of Dallas County, Collin County Humane Society, Taylor-Jones Humane Society and DFW Humane Society, every donation is critical. The average cost to operate an animal care facility in Dallas County is approximately $25,000 a month. This includes money for staff to care for the animals daily, spays and neuters and life-saving vaccinations.
As Executive Director of the DFW Humane Society, Sarah Kammerer, told us: “We take in about 800 animals a year. Having monthly money coming into the shelter helps cover regular expenses.” Felicia Kalish, of the Humane Society of Dallas County, added: “Private donations can be very sporadic. When there’s some consistency, we know what funding to expect and can budget better.”
AxiaRx and the Humane Card
Thanks to the efforts of one company, shelters are receiving regular charitable donations to help defray costs. AxiaRx is a free prescription card available to Dallas Metroplex residents who may be having trouble paying the high cost of prescription drugs. Every time their Humane Card is used; a donation is made to area humane societies. As an added benefit, not only does the card cover prescriptions for people, but many pet prescriptions are discounted as well.
In North Texas, the program has raised more than $5,000, 80% of that since January alone. On a larger scale, AxiaRx has donated 64% of its net profits to 23 animal welfare organizations and raised more than $17,000 since June 2013. The funds provided offset the costs of rescue, adoption and spay/neuter services.
But, how does using the card affect residents?
According to the American Community Survey released in August by the U.S. Census Bureau over one million Metroplex residents are uninsured while many thousands more are forced to pay full price because their insurance doesn’t cover their prescription. Currently, the AxiaRx prescription service has already saved local consumers more than $337,000 with the average card carrier saving 49% off prescription drugs. One customer wrote: “I just picked up my prescription from Walmart. It only cost me $24.25. You saved me over $250! Thank you so much. Words cannot express my gratitude.”
Nearly 4,100 retail pharmacies in Texas participate in the prescription card program as well as national retail chains such as Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Target, Tom Thumb, Kroger and many others. There are currently over 50,000 drugs available for a discount.
“We are so grateful for his wonderful program. This kind of regular support is essential to keeping the shelter afloat,” said Kalish.
The AxiaRx prescription company is currently looking for other animal welfare organizations that wish to join the Humane Card program. To learn more about becoming an AxiaRx partner or about obtaining a free prescription card, visit AxiaRx online.
