Gift of 29,000 doses will help protect hundreds of Kansas City’s shelter dogs from heartworm disease

WESTLAKE, Texas, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Virbac, a global animal health company, has donated more than 29,000 doses of IVERHART MAX® Chews (ivermectin/pyrantel pamoate/praziquantel) parasite prevention products to KC Pet Project, the municipal animal shelter for Kansas City, Missouri, to help protect its dogs against heartworm disease and intestinal parasites.

KC Pet Project cares for more than 16,000 pets each year, including 8,263 dogs taken in over the past 12 months, each of which receives preventive care at intake. Virbac’s donation of IVERHART® MAX Chews will help support that standard of care for every dog that comes through the shelter’s doors.

“Kansas City is a heartworm hot spot, making consistent prevention essential to protecting the dogs we serve,” said Dr. Heather Kennedy, chief veterinary officer, KC Pet Project. “Virbac’s generous donation will help us provide heartworm prevention while also treating tapeworms – another important benefit for shelter dogs.”

Dr. Kennedy said the shelter is also currently treating about 300 dogs diagnosed with heartworm while in its care.

“We provide adopters of heartworm-positive dogs with a full year of medication at no cost, and Virbac’s donation will help us continue that commitment,” said Dr. Kennedy. “We are incredibly grateful for their investment in the long-term health of these dogs.”

The donation also supports KC Pet Project’s community outreach program, which provides supplies to Kansas City pet owners in need.

“Every animal deserves a healthy start, whether it’s in a home or waiting to find one. Helping KC Pet Project protect its shelter dogs from a preventable disease is exactly the kind of impact we want our work to have,” said Gio Abruzzini, CEO, Virbac North America.

About KC Pet Project

KC Pet Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating a compassionate, safe community for pets and people. As Kansas City’s city shelter, KC Pet Project cares for more than 16,000 pets each year, with locations in Swope Park and the Zona Rosa Adoption Center, plus adoptable cats at Petco Cat Habitats area-wide.

About Virbac

At Virbac, we are constantly exploring new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat animal pathologies, developing care, hygiene and nutrition products for veterinarians, farmers and pet owners worldwide. Visit vet-us.virbac.com.

©2026 Virbac Corporation. All rights reserved.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
IVERHART MAX^® Chew (ivermectin/pyrantel pamoate/praziquantel) are well tolerated. All dogs should be tested for heartworm disease before starting a preventive protocol. Following the use of IVERHART MAX® Chew, gastrointestinal and neurological side effects have been reported. For full prescribing information, contact Virbac at 1-800-338-3659 or visit us.virbac.com.

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SOURCE Virbac