The Age of Philanthropy

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November 15 is National Philanthropy Day, formalized by President Ronald Reagan in 1986 as a day to celebrate charitable activities. It’s no secret that we work in a very generous community, and Pet Age celebrates that benevolent nature with a special report on philanthropic companies.

It goes without saying that investing in your community is a great way to give back to those who have helped support your business. For members of the pet industry, that also means helping the animals that cannot help themselves, including the strays, the abused, ones with health problems or those affected by natural disasters.

While it’s a common belief that being charitable is good for business, one thing I have learned after years of attending pet expos, distributor shows and retailer events is that the industry is loaded with good-hearted people who enjoy the intangible benefits of giving. It is a wonderful feeling of connectedness with the added bonus of satisfaction in the notion of trying to make the world a better place.

Especially at this time of year, when we’re entering the winter holiday season, our hearts go out to those who are less fortunate than we are. We encourage you, the pet industry, to give when you can to the charities, the nonprofit shelters, the volunteer groups that make a difference in your local community as well as across the globe.

However, don’t stop at being charitable during the holidays. Consistent, year-round giving is vital to nonprofit groups, yet donations to animal welfare charities in December are nearly three times as high as the average of the previous 11 months, according to the Blackbaud Institute for Philanthropic Impact’s Charitable Giving Report. On the bright side, the report notes charitable giving in the animal welfare sector for 2018 saw a 5.1 percent increase over the previous year.

Any donation is worthwhile, but incorporating philanthropy into a company’s year-round mission has been proven to not only boost team member morale but also show potential clients that the brand values more than just money.

Another topic that deserves great attention is senior pet care, made even more appropriate with November being Adopt a Senior Pet Month. Pet Age details some of the common health issues that come with age for dogs, cats and other species of pets, while also revealing how brands are gearing their products, from food recipes to hard goods, to mature animals and their special needs.

Don’t forget to examine the other sections in this issue, which delivers all the engaging content you’ve come to expect from Pet Age. Enjoy!

Glenn A. Polyn

Editor-in-Chief

[email protected]