Many transitional and permanent housing programs now insist that a pet be spayed or neutered before its owner moves in. For someone living on the street with a dog or cat, that rule can be the thing standing between them and a roof.
A San Diego nonprofit has a $30,000 grant aimed at exactly that problem. The Spay-Neuter Action Project, known as SNAP, announced Saturday that The Brown Family Foundation money will pay for spay and neuter surgery, microchips and vaccinations for 180 pets belonging to unhoused people in the region.
A clinic that comes to the curb
The work happens in SNAP’s mobile surgical suite, the “Neuter Scooter,” where licensed veterinarians operate. It will be parked at CARE outreach events, short for Community Coordinated Access to Resource and Engagement, which the city of San Diego runs with county and nonprofit partners. Owners do not have to find transport or book an appointment somewhere across town.
Beyond surgery, animals may get a free health exam, a cardboard carrier, deworming, flea-and-tick treatment, a nail trim, pain medication, a recovery collar, a simple hernia repair or wound care if they need it.
Pets and the path to housing
SNAP says a second goal is to help owners “take the next step toward transitional or permanent housing and access additional assistance.” Dorell Sackett, the group’s director, said SNAP is “very grateful to have this opportunity to help unhoused individuals and families care for their beloved pets.” She added: “This support from The Brown Family Foundation will make an incredible difference for these vulnerable animals.”
SNAP expects to pass a milestone this year, having provided no- and low-cost spay and neuter surgery to more than 100,000 pet dogs, cats and rabbits since 2003. Details are at snap-sandiego.org.
Sources
- Homelessness in the San Francisco Bay Area
- Local non-profit gets $30K grant to provide medical care for unhoused residents' pets
- Animal cruelty shock: 61 dogs and cats rescued
Photo: Jonatan Bustos / Unsplash (Unsplash License)
