Animal Services Program to Aid the Homeless

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

Placer County recently opened a temporary homeless shelter with 47 beds available. The Animal Services Division, working collaboratively with nonprofit organizations operating the shelter, helped construct animal kennels to create the capability of caring for the animals of the homeless. This effort was considered vital to the success of the shelter as many homeless people also have animals that must be accommodated. As part of this effort a program was implemented to provide veterinary care for pets whose owners do not normally have access to services due in part to their homelessness. The program is also a good public health practice against the spread of communicable diseases by providing free vaccinations for rabies, as well as Leptospirosis, distemper, parvo and Bordetella (Kennel Cough). To date this has been a very successful venture providing wellness exams and vaccination services for 21 dogs as well as four cats, one bird, and one rabbit. Placer County has been able to provide these services free of cost to the owners of these animals. Services also include, but are not limited to, microchips implants, spay and neuter services, as well as pet food, collars, leashes, sweaters/jackets, crates and other items donated by the community.