Denver Dogs Have Their Day at Pet Cancer Awareness Walk

More than two hundred people and their pooches came out to Washington Park in Denver, Colo. on June 8 to support and raise funds for pet cancer research at the fourth annual Denver VPI K9K Cancer Awareness Walk. Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation’s first and largest provider of pet health insurance, hosted the 3K (1.8 miles) walk, which raised nearly $17,000 to benefit the Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF), a non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for cancer by funding research in comparative oncology, the study of naturally occurring cancers in pets and people. Since 2007, VPI has raised nearly $200,000 to benefit the ACF.

“VPI has helped the Animal Cancer Foundation generate public awareness and advocacy for comparative oncology research,” said Barbara Cohen, executive director, ACF. “Now in its fourth year, the Denver VPI K9K Cancer Awareness Walk grows in popularity, allowing ACF to provide financial support of researchers studying animal cancer, bringing about happier futures for families and their animal companions, and inspiring hope for the future of cancer treatment.

Among the participants at the Denver VPI K9K Pet Cancer Awareness Walk was television personality, Kevin Fitzgerald, DVM, PhD, and his Chihuahua, Yoda. Dr. Fitzgerald, ABVP Staff Veterinarian at VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver, served as Grand Marshal of the walk for the second straight year, and is helping to create awareness and stress the importance of early cancer detection. Dr. Fitzgerald is also on the Board of Directors of the Denver Zoo and the past president of the Denver Area Veterinary Medical Society.

“VPI received more than 63,000 claims for cancer diagnosis and treatment in 2013, and we’re committed to increasing awareness about the prevalence of this deadly disease among companion animals,” said Carol McConnell, DVM, MBA, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. “Through our partnership with the ACF, we are able to raise funds and educate pet owners about the signs and symptoms of pet cancer, as well as the importance of being financially prepared should their pet be stricken with the disease.”

To promote pet cancer awareness and research, VPI will host a second K9K Pet Cancer Awareness Walk this year on Sunday, Nov. 9 in Long Beach, Calif.

To learn more about pet cancer and tips for detecting pet cancer, go to www.petinsurance.com/cancer. For more information about the Animal Cancer Foundation, please visit www.acfoundation.org.