• Donations reach areas with limited animal healthcare and crisis-affected shelters

• Strategic partnerships address veterinary care shortages and promote animal adoption with nonprofits

RIDGEFIELD, CT, February 10, 2025  |  The Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation (Boehringer Cares) improved the health and well-being of hundreds of thousands of animals in 2024 through the donation of more than two million doses of animal health products to 169 nonprofit organizations and shelters across the U.S.

The medicines, including vaccines, flea, tick and heartworm products, and pain medications, were distributed to veterinary care deserts (areas with limited access to animal healthcare services). They were also given to organizations that shelter animals displaced by natural disasters, domestic violence, and other crises.

Boehringer Ingelheim is deeply committed to the well-being of animals and acknowledges the profound connection between animal and human health. “Science shows that the human-animal bond can help to reduce stress, encourage physical activity, build resilience, and reduce loneliness " said Rene Ward, Head of Corporate Affairs, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health and member of the Board of Boehringer Cares. “Together with these nonprofits, we are strengthening this vital connection, particularly in underserved communities. The organizations we work with understand the unique needs and cultural nuances of the areas where they work. They maximize the impact of their resources to create thriving, sustainable programs.”

The donated medicines went to organizations like Greenhill Humane Society, the only animal shelter in Oregon’s Eugene/Springfield. Their programs include animal adoptions, reuniting lost animals with families, disaster response and crisis care boarding, a free pet pantry and veterinary services. “When potential adopters hear about mange, fleas, or heartworm disease, it can scare them,” said Samantha Schwartz, Greenhill Humane Society’s Communications Manager. “With the help of Boehringer Cares, we’re able to ensure the animals we shelter and those available for adoption are healthy.” 

Veterinary care shortages in underserved areas prevent many shelters and pet owners from accessing essential spay/neuter services or vaccinations, leading to overpopulation, increased suffering for pets and a burden on communities. In partnership with Boehringer Cares, Greater Good Charities supports rural communities facing these challenges by offering free high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics.

"Free-roaming dogs in some situations may form aggressive packs, posing significant threats to humans and other animals as well as potentially transmitting dangerous diseases such as rabies,” said Dr. Ruth Parkin, Veterinary Medical Director at Greater Good Charities. “This issue has been historically prevalent on some Native American lands where there are limited resources for animal health and population control. Thanks to generous product donations and support from partners like Boehringer Cares, we provide underserved communities with simple but valuable resources, such as effective vaccines and parasite control, with spay/neuter, to combat these problems—all at no cost.  The impact of these resources on a community in need is immeasurable.”

“These collaborations play a crucial role in extending our reach to animals, people, and communities in need,” said Ward. “We are grateful for their dedication. Together, we are working to improve the health and well-being of both animals and the people who care for them for today, tomorrow and well into the future.” 

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About Boehringer Ingelheim 

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in Research and Development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. More than 53,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable tomorrow. Lean more at boehringer-ingelheim.com/us.

About Boehringer Ingelheim – Animal Health business

Boehringer Ingelheim provides innovation for preventing and treating diseases in animals. The company offers a wide range of vaccines, parasite-control products, and medicines for pets, horses, and livestock to veterinarians, animal owners, farmers, and governments. As a leader in animal health, Boehringer Ingelheim values that the health of humans and animals is deeply connected and strives to make a difference for people, animals, and society. Learn more at boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health.

About Boehringer Ingelheim CARES Foundation

Boehringer Ingelheim CARES Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization with a mission to strengthen the communities where our employees live and work by improving the health and well-being of people and animals, with a focus on helping the underserved. The programs we support align with our goals to improve access to healthcare, enhance STEM education, and strengthen the human-animal bond.

Media Contact:

Chrissy Jones
Director, Corporate Affairs
Christine.Jones@boehringer.com