MUSCATINE, Iowa–Muscatine County abounds with animal lovers and with organizations to help animals in need. For Pets’ Sake, It Takes a Village Animal Rescue and Resources, and the Muscatine Humane Society all work hard to ensure pets have what they need to thrive and that homeless animals get adopted into loving forever homes. In October, each organization received a grant from the Humane Society of the United States to help them continue their work.

Since opening It Takes a Village earlier this year, founder Meagan Koehler has worked with Preston Moore from the Humane Society of the United States, initially receiving a grant to allow her to attend their annual conference. This fall, Koehler applied for and received a second grant, worth $750, which she put towards spaying and neutering pets the rescue takes in as well as local stray and feral cats. As Koehler works to expand these services to more animals, she thanks the Humane Society of the United States for their ongoing support. “We are so thankful to Mr. Moore and the Humane Society of the United States for assisting us on our mission,” she said. “The financial support that we have received is crucial to our ability to offer these valuable resources to our community.”

Previously, Beth Van Zandt, co-founder of For Pets’ Sake, received a $2,000 grant to help get local pets spayed and neutered and to vaccinate any of the pets she fosters for Muscatine Center for Social Action residents that need it. This year, she received a $500 grant, which she used to help the joint monthly spay and neuter program For Pets’ Sake runs with the Muscatine Humane Society. With the money, Van Zandt can help approximately six dog owners who would like to have their dog transported to the Iowa Humane Alliance for spaying or neutering do so free of charge. “It means a lot to me,” she stated. “It’s a really good program.”

The Muscatine Humane Society also received a $750 grant. The Humane Society cares for numerous stray and surrendered animals throughout the year, assists with the low-cost neuter and spay program, and offers obedience classes for local dog owners.