Care Voucher
2023 NACo Achievement Award Winner
Los Angeles County, Calif., CA
About the Program
Category: Human Services
Year: 2023
Care Voucher is a pet assistance program administered by the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) that covers up to $500 in veterinary expenses, food and supplies, boarding, or grooming services for pet owners experiencing financial hardships. These vouchers are critical for ensuring that pets receive the services they need and aren't surrendered to an animal care center due to a pet owner's struggles to afford care. This program recognizes medical costs as a top reason for pets being permanently surrendered and provides a solution to remediate that gap. Care Voucher is collaborative program that involves various external agencies. This includes partnerships with local veterinary clinics and vendors who have agreed to partner with DACC and accept vouchers from pet owners. It also includes partnerships with various nonprofit partners who have provided significant donations and grants to help sustain and expand Care Voucher into late 2023, with various additional funding sources still pending.