Low-Income RivCo Residents Gain Assistance With Pet Care

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Riverside County supervisors Tuesday authorized the Department of Animal Services to accept a $90,000 charitable grant intended to assist low-income residents with paying for their pets' care, sparing them the prospect of having to part with their animals.

The Department of Animal Services was awarded the PetSmart Charities Inc. grant after applying for it earlier this year.

Funds are earmarked specifically for aid to "vulnerable populations," according to documents posted to the board's agenda.

"The department intends to use the grant to increase the number of families who can retain their pets, thereby reducing the number of animals being surrendered by their owners," according to an agency statement. "These services include, but are not limited to, expenses related to veterinary care, such as vaccinations, microchips and spay/neuter surgeries."

Officials estimated that up to 500 pets may benefit from the allotment.
"This will ... help reduce the shelter population overall," the Department of Animal Services stated.

The agency has struggled with deficits for the last decade and has continually sought funding opportunities and partnerships with non-profits to bolster operations.