(September 20, 2013) – Zuke’s is pleased to announce that as of today it has donated more than $175,000 to the Dog and Cat Cancer Fund (DCCFund), a non-profit organization dedicated to understanding, treating and preventing canine and feline cancer. The DCCFund was created by Zuke’s founder Patrick Meiering and his brother Chris in 2007 after their childhood dog and, more recently, Zuke, the namesake of Zuke’s Dog and Cat Treats, succumbed to canine cancer.

Since the inception of the DCCFund, Zuke’s has supported the cause by contributing a portion of all sales to the organization. With Zuke’s support, the DCCFund has been able to increase the annual grant amount per pet from $700 in 2007, to $1200 in 2011 and most recently to $1500 in 2013. The DCCFund is estimating that they will be able to help a record 100 pets this year alone, up from 42 in 2011 and 69 in 2012. Since its inception, the DCCFund has helped a total of 250 dogs and cats nationwide.

“Zuke’s donates a portion of all product sales to the Dog and Cat Cancer Fund,” states Chris Meiering, Zuke’s Director of Marketing and co-founder of the DCCFund. “We invest in this organization because we passionately believe that the ability to pay one’s vet bills shouldn’t be a factor in giving pets a fighting chance against this terrible disease.”

According to the American Cancer Foundation, six million dogs and a similar number of cats are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States. To help in this fight, the primary mission of the DCCFund is to work with pet parents who are in need of financial assistance. The Fund pays their veterinarian for cancer related care, making treatment possible for dogs and cats suffering from cancer.

About Zuke’s

Located in Durango, Colorado and named after founder Patrick Meiering’s Chocolate Labrador, Zuke’s is dedicated to creating natural, nutritious, and tasty treats for dogs and cats. Zuke’s has been an industry pioneer for the last 18 years, creating innovative treats with the finest meats, freshest fruits, richest vegetables and premium oils to keep pets healthy and allow them to perform at their very best. Learn more about Zuke’s at zukes.com

About Dog & Cat Cancer Fund

The Dog and Cat Cancer Fund is dedicated to understanding, treating and preventing canine and feline cancer. The nonprofit organization helps make cancer treatment affordable for qualified individuals and families through treatment grants. It also funds research grants for the next generation of life-­‐saving treatments and promotes prevention by raising awareness and understanding of the risk factors underlying canine and feline cancer. After helping its first dog in 2007, the organization has directly helped more than 250 animals. The Dog and Cat Cancer Fund is supported by donations from individuals, corporations and government grants.

Click here for more information about The Dog and Cat Cancer Fund