SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - PetSmart Charities has granted Dakin Humane Society $150,000 for one year to help the expansion of The Pet Health Center. Low-cost pet services thanks to Massachusetts “I’m animal friendly” license plate Dakin Humane Society states that 50 million pets in the United States experience a lack of access to basic veterinary needs. This center will provide access to quality, compassionate veterinary medicine care for all cats and dogs. This grant will support Phase One of the expansion, which assists operations along with capital improvement costs, staffing, and consultants as needed to support the business analysis and preparation for the expansion. During this phase, Dakin will also take part in a cohort to learn from other accessible veterinary clinics that have been supported by PetSmart Charities, which has committed $100 million over the next five years toward helping to improve access to veterinary care.  “Dakin is thrilled to have been selected as an Accelerator grant recipient. This generous funding from PetSmart Charities will allow us to sustain and expand services offered to pet owners in our community who have struggled to access veterinary care in the past,” said Meg Talbert, Executive Director at Dakin. “The Pet Health Center has been a wonderful addition at Dakin and is strategically aligned with our mission to deliver effective, innovative services that improve the lives of animals in need and the people who care about them. Our goal is to ensure that services that support the human-animal bond are accessible to all.” “The Pet Health Center has been embraced by our clients who trust us to provide care to their beloved pets and regularly recommend our services to friends and family,” said Jack Muth, DVM, PhD, Public Medical & Education Director at Dakin. “We are excited for this next chapter in our program’s growth and grateful for the support of the PetSmart Charities. This grant will increase our capacity and help us to reduce barriers to veterinary care in our community.”  Local News Headlines Rabies suspected in raccoons in Northampton, Easthampton Local schools see increase in respiratory illnesses One person dies in Greenfield house fire on Silver Street PetSmart Charities helps to improve accessible veterinary care at Dakin Humane Society WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.