For 26 years, Maria’s has been rescuing animals in need, taking in more than 300 animals every year. The shelter primarily cares for small domestic animals who have been abandoned, relinquished, or abused, with the vast majority arriving in need of some form of veterinary care or rehabilitation.

The Foundation has a long-standing relationship with Maria’s Animal Shelter. A previous AVM grant awarded in 2019 funded a recovery room at the shelter, which remains in use every single day, helping provide a safe and comfortable space for animals as they recover.

This latest grant will fund the installation of a portacabin on the shelter’s 2.5-acre site, creating a dedicated indoor area where the team can hold private and sensitive conversations with members of the public — an essential space when supporting people through difficult circumstances involving their animals.

Speaking about the grant, Maria said:

“The cabin is going to be very beneficial to our charity, the only area on our 2.5 acre site where people can go for private and sensitive conversations. Thank you so much to the Foundation for supporting not only our charity but many others and, in doing so, saving so many animals in need. We cannot thank you enough.”