Our Story Begins with Larry

When USAF Veteran Larry, an animal lover suffering from pulmonary lung fibrosis, health declined, and he needed an increased level of care, he had to move in with his daughter, an avid animal rescuer.

While talking with nurses and social workers throughout her dad’s illness, she realized that the problem of elderly or sick individuals struggling to care for their pets was far more widespread than she ever realized.

The nurses shared stories of the elderly going hungry so that their pets could be fed.  Medications left unpurchased so their pet could get veterinary care.  Pets were barely able to move because they were too matted to move or nails were grown into paws because their owners were unable to drive their pet to a groomer.  Seniors with life-threatening conditions were left untreated because they had no one to care for their pets while they were in the hospital.  And stories of pets being taken away and not returned because of a hospitalization.

There had to be a better way, so, upon the death of her father, Hospets was founded.  Initially only serving Hospice patients of Union County, Hospets has grown to provide care of pets owned by seniors age 60+ throughout most of Central Ohio
Help Us Make a Difference

​Our mission

​Founded in December 2011, Hospets serves Union County, Delaware County, most of Franklin County, and many of the surrounding areas.  There is a big demand for help with pet food and veterinary care. In one case an 87-year-old man from Richwood needed assistance. His Pomeranian, which he considered more of a companion than a pet, had an ulcerated tumor on its leg. Unable to afford the surgery required to remove it, Hospets was able to help this man get the care he needed for his dog.


In addition to assistance with pet food and veterinary services, including transportation to appointments, Hospets helps arrange respite care for pets when their owners need to be hospitalized. If necessary, Hospets can also help locate a new home for pets if their owners are ultimately unable to resume caring for them.
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One of the most important considerations for respite and permanent placement services is pre-registration. Hospets needs to be familiar with the pet before a crisis occurs. It is difficult to respond to last-minute placement emergencies. Good planning can help create positive outcomes for both the pet and the owner.