As the 2017 baseball season kicks off, Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley has teamed up with The Humane Society of the United States with a new video campaign calling on fans to help support the organization’s program that brings critical services to pets and the families in underserved neighborhoods.

Detailing how The HSUS’ Pets for Life program helps preserve the bond between families and their pets in the U.S., the six-time MLB All-Star says, “Every animal is entitled to a loving home.”

Most people are aware of how “food deserts”—areas where affordable and nutritious food is hard to access—impact the lives of working poor families, but those food deserts often coincide with a lack of other services, including veterinary clinics and other pet needs. That has enormous consequences for people and their pets. Most of the animals living in these communities will never see a veterinarian. Through the Pets for Life program, The HSUS has led the charge to make animal care services more accessible, going door to door in cities around the U.S., bringing free spay/neuter, vaccinations and other pet wellness services to people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access or afford them.

Now we finally know what caused this rare but warm smile by Dodgers veteran second baseman Chase Utley. (Photo credit – Jon SooHoo)

Utley joins a growing list of athletes—including Max Scherzer, Golden Tate, John Salley, Daniel Bryan, and many more—who have teamed up with The HSUS to speak out for animals.

For more information, please visit HumaneSociety.org

(Article courtesy of The Humane Society of the United States)