For the love of pets: Carol Stream charity helps families with veterinary costs

Dr. Mondrian Contreras knows pets are family. That is why he founded the VetBros Pet Education Charitable Fund, a nonprofit that helps families who are in financial crisis take care of any costs for veterinarian services.

The VetBros Care Program is a network of vets that provide various services to make sure pets stay healthy, no matter what their owners can pay.

“As veterinary care costs continue to increase, many pet owners are limited in their ability to provide proper care for their pets, forcing many dog owners to make the difficult choice to forgo veterinary care because they simply cannot afford the costs,” said Contreras, who works at Carol Steam Animal Hospital, in an email. “Through our charitable fund, we’ve been able to help hundreds, if not thousands, of dogs by providing lifesaving surgeries otherwise unattainable to them.”

On Sunday, Aug. 4, the seventh annual VetBros Charity Dog Show will be held to help raise funds for this nonprofit. It will take place at the Carol Stream Town Center and include many activities for the whole family — including your pooch.

Contreras talks about the upcoming event, as well as how the VetBros Pet Education Charitable Fund helps people around the suburbs and beyond.

Q: What is VetBros Pet Education Charitable Fund?

A: The VetBros Pet Education Charitable Fund is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a better world for pets and their families by providing access to essential medical care and education. Our mission is to save pet lives and educate pet owners on preventive medical care, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring families and their pets live longer, healthier lives together.

Specifically, VetBros serves pet owners experiencing financial hardships by providing financial assistance for lifesaving pet medical care through our network of 50-plus veterinarians. Additionally, we offer educational programs on preventive care for all pet owners and children through schools and community groups, helping to prevent pet health problems before they arise.

VetBros’ support ensures that pets with treatable conditions are not euthanized due to financial constraints, helps alleviate mental health burdens on pet owners and veterinarians, and reduces the number of pets abandoned or surrendered to a rescue. These services establish a strong foundation for long-term pet health and family unity, while advancing the well-being of underserved populations.

Q: How many people do you serve each year?

A: Overall, we estimate that VetBros reaches a few thousand pet lovers each year through educational outreach or financial assistance. In 2023, we provided financial assistance for medical care and lifesaving services to four families and their pets and 30 rescue animals. We provided educational programs for over 53 community groups, including schools, Scout troops and Junior Achievement.

Q: Where do the majority of your funds come from to support this program?

A: The majority of our funds come from individual donors within the local community who believe in our mission. Our annual fundraising event, the VetBros Charity Dog Show, is our primary fundraising effort that brings together local businesses, organizations, animal rescue organizations, residents and community members to support this cause.

Q: Tell us about the upcoming Charity Dog Show and Carol Stream Chamber Foundation 5K.

A: The seventh annual VetBros Charity Dog Show is a free community event featuring music, food and entertainment throughout the day. There will be pet contests such as Best Trick and Best Costume, dog races, 50-plus local vendors, food trucks, raffle prizes and fun activities for both pets and humans. The day also will feature training demonstrations, the “Puppy Pub,” and a water play area and agility arena.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4, at the Carol Stream Town Center; visit vetbrospeteducation.org/ for a full event schedule. It is free for all attendees, with an entry fee to enter your pet into the competitions ($10 per dog race and $15 per contest).

This year, VetBros is collaborating with the Carol Stream Chamber Foundation, which is hosting its annual 5K race/walk benefiting the Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Foundation before the charity dog show. Participants will help fund college scholarships for Carol Stream students through Strides for Scholars.

The race is at 8:30 a.m., with registration from 7:30-8:15 a.m. Closing and awards will be from 9:35-9:55 a.m. Registration is $45 and your furry friends are welcome to run/walk with you.

For both events (5K or dog show), prior registration is encouraged, but will be available at the event. Register online for the 5K by Aug. 3. Sign up to participate at vetbrospeteducation.org/charity-dog-show--5k-run.

For 5K questions, contact Chamber CEO Jane Hove at (630) 665-3325. For the charity dog show, contact Stephanie Vertucci at stephanie@vetbrospeteducation.org.

Q: How can readers help your organization?

A: We would love for readers to come to our events, sign up their dogs for the fun competitions, volunteer, donate, spread the word or just come and enjoy the company of so many talented animals. RSVP, sponsor, or volunteer at: vetbrospeteducation.org/charity-dog-show.

Readers can also make a difference by making a financial donation to support pets in need and their families; volunteering to help with the charity dog show, parades or other initiatives throughout the year; referring VetBros to a school or community group that could benefit from pet health care education; and by joining our veterinarian member network to provide charitable pet care to pet owners experiencing financial hardship.

Q: What else would you like readers to know?

A: Your readers can obtain a free raffle ticket for the Grand Prize at the VetBros Charity Dog Show! Simply email us at donorrelations@vetbrospeteducation.org and we’ll send you a printable raffle ticket postcard and add you to our email list. Bring your ticket to the dog show for a chance to win the grand prize; you don’t need to be present to win.

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VetBros Charity Dog Show

What: A fundraiser for VetBros Pet Education Charitable Fund

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4

Where: Carol Stream Town Center, Gary Avenue and Lies Road

Cost: Free; fees to enter contests

Details: vetbrospeteducation.org/charity-dog-show--5k-run or email Stephanie Vertucci at stephanie@vetbrospeteducation.org

Carol Stream Chamber Foundation 5K

What: Benefits the Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Foundation

When: 8:30 a.m., with registration from 7:30-8:15 a.m.

Cost: $45; register by Aug. 3

Details: vetbrospeteducation.org/charity-dog-show--5k-run or contact Chamber CEO Jane Hove at (630) 665-3325