The Banfield Charitable Trust (BCT)has announced a new program, Pet Peace of Mind, which recognizes and actively supports the unique bond between hospice patients and their pets. The nationwide program launched May 1 and aligns with the BCT's mission to fund or administer programs to keep pets and families together.

Pet Peace of Mind, which is targeted to nonprofit hospices across the country, allows patients to complete their end of life journey without worrying about their pet's current or future needs. The initiative provides training and funding for hospices to start local programs that deliver volunteer pet care services for patients who are unable to care for their pets while in hospice.

The program gives recipients financial assistance with routine veterinary care, pet transportation to veterinary appointments, pet boarding and walking, and access to pet food. Pet Peace of Mind was inspired by a successful program created by Delana Taylor McNac and the team at Hospice of Green Country in Tulsa, Okla.

"Many hospices want to start a pet care program, but in most cases, the independent funding they secure goes towards filling gaps in their operating budgets. Hospices work hard to meet both the physical and emotional needs of their patients, and we want to create a program that helps support the emotional side in a significant way," said Dianne McGill, executive director and CEO of the Banfield Charitable Trust. "The human- pet bond is incredibly special. If we can help keep patient and their pets together, we've accomplished what we set out to do."

For more information about the Pet Peace of Mind program or to make a donation online, visit www.banfieldcharita- bletrust.org.

Banfield Charitable Trust, a 501 (c) (3) public charity founded in 2003, supports projects that keep pets and families together. Funding consideration is only given to registered nonprofit organizations and accredited educational institutions. Special consideration will be given to pet related organizations and veterinary education programs collaborating with Banfield, The Pet Hospital.