Local animal shelters often face difficult choices. Vet bills, medical emergencies, and the cost of caring for animals until adoption can strain even the strongest facilities. For the Manitoba-based husband-and-wife duo Clinton Orr and Jodi Ruta, these challenges sparked a desire to make a change. The couple founded the Pet Life Animal Fund in 2020, a donor-advised fund that supports rescue shelters by covering vet costs and helping animals find loving families.
“The goal of the Fund is to make sure animals in local communities get the medical care they need and the chance to thrive in a good home,” says Orr. “Even small donations can save a life. Our work promises that animals aren’t left behind because of finances.”
Since its founding, the Fund has worked with Manitoba shelters to help cover routine and emergency vet care. This includes vaccinations, spaying and neutering, and urgent medical surgeries that might otherwise go unpaid. By helping shelters with finances, the Fund enables staff and volunteers to focus on providing care, fostering animals, and preparing them for adoption. It also promotes adoption opportunities, helping animals find permanent homes and offering direction to people considering a new pet.
Orr and Ruta also use their platform to promote pet wellness and responsible ownership. “When caring for a pet, yes, there is feeding and walking involved, but people should also know about preventative care, understand pet behaviour, and know how to create a safe environment,” says Ruta.
Through the Fund, Orr and Ruta share practical advice, emphasizing routine vet visits, balanced diets, daily exercise, mental stimulation, and preventative treatments for parasites. Orr highlights the emotional side of pet care: “Animals need attention and love. Spending quality time with a pet, grooming them, or learning their favourite games makes a huge difference in their well-being.”
The impact of the Pet Life Animal Fund extends beyond shelters. Healthy, well-cared-for animals are more likely to be adopted, reducing overcrowding and improving the overall community. By working with vet professionals, donors, and local shelters, Orr and Ruta have created a network that grows their reach and supports pets long-term.
The Fund’s efforts have led to countless stories of recovery and new beginnings. Animals who were once sick or neglected are now thriving in forever homes. “It’s really heartwarming when you see a pet go from being sick and scared to happy and healthy in a thriving home,” says Ruta. For the founders, every adoption and every life saved is a reminder of why their work matters.
Pet Life Animal Fund also encourages people to get involved through donations, volunteering, and fostering. “Every action counts and helps animals get care they might otherwise miss,” says Orr.
Through their dedication, Orr and Ruta demonstrate the power of combining compassion with action. By addressing both the financial and educational needs of local shelters and pet owners, they help animals truly thrive. Their work shows that when a community works together, pets can live happy, healthy lives, and families can enjoy loyal companionship in return.
When animals depend on human kindness, the Pet Life Animal Fund is a model of what thoughtful, organized support can achieve. From helping with crucial medical costs to promoting wellness and adoption, Orr and Ruta’s efforts provide tangible, lasting benefits for pets and the communities that love them. Through this work, they remind us that every animal deserves a chance at a better life, and that simple acts of care and compassion can make a big difference.