C.A.R.E.4Paws’ clinic program provides not just vaccines and spay/neuter surgeries at low cost, but medical exams, treatment of skin and ear infections, basic bloodwork as well as dental care and mass removals. In fact, the clinic team will perform at least 3,300 surgeries this year, compared to about 3,000 in 2023. If a family cannot afford to pay for surgery or other treatment, the nonprofit does everything it can to provide the service for free or for a small donation.
The organization also offers critical resources through other programs, such as distribution of pet food and supplies, dog training, grooming for dogs of the unhoused and support for pet families exposed to domestic violence. It co-operates several Pet Resource Centers alongside animal- and human-welfare partners, where people in need can access dog and cat food and supplies and sign up for wellness services for their companion animals as well as for themselves.
Overall, C.A.R.E.4Paws’ partnerships with dozens of animal nonprofits and shelters, vet clinics, pet service providers, businesses, social-welfare groups, community groups and youth organizations help ensure that pets don’t go without care due to financial constraints or accessibility challenges.
Taken together, C.A.R.E.4Paws’ partnerships and programs provide a lifeline for many pet families, like Lucia and her beloved service dog, Luckie, a 14-year-old labrador. “C.A.R.E.4Paws is a very strong support system for us,” says Lucia, who struggles with progressing disabilities. Over the last few years, Luckie has received help with pet food, vaccines, exams and dental surgery as well as temporary foster care while Lucia underwent surgery in the spring of 2024. “Luckie is my trusted companion and, for us, C.A.R.E.4Paws is family.”
As the need for access to pet care and other resources keeps growing on the Central Coast, C.A.R.E.4Paws is committed to continuing its work and providing services to those who need it the most, says Isabelle Gullö, the organization’s Cofounder and Executive Director. “For so many people, a pet represents the brightest part of their world—a source of true love and companionship.” She adds, “We see firsthand what happens when someone can’t afford care, and we need to work together as a community to support pet families, increase pet retention and protect the human-animal bond.”
To contribute to C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Mobile Community Medicine & Spay/Neuter Outreach and other programs that keep pets healthy and with the people who love them, please visit care4paws.org. For assistance with pet care, go to care4paws.org/programs or contact C.A.R.E.4Paws at 805-968-2273 or info@care4paws.org.