Pets
Pets are good for our mental and physical health. They bring us companionship and help us get regular exercise. However, taking care of a pet can be expensive and physically demanding. Many of us worry about what may happen to our pets if we are no longer able to care for them. The programs listed below assist older adults and others keep their pets well-fed and healthy. There are also resources to help when pets need to find new homes or support after the loss of a pet.
Click on the v-shaped arrow to the right of each program description to view more information.
Pet Food
Pet owners in need may pick up pet food once per month. Donations of unopened dry and wet pet food are accepted during pantry open hours.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Address: 3839 Bradshaw Rd., Sacramento, CA 95827
Phone: (916) 875-2287
Email: countyanimalcare@saccounty.net
Website: https://animalcare.saccounty.net/HelptheAnimals/Pages/PetOwnersinNeed.aspx
Note: pantry is open Tuesday-Sunday, 9:30am - 3:30pm; appointments are recommended; check the website for most current information
The Elk Grove Food Bank distributes dog and cat food through its Emergency Food Distribution program as well as at its Mobile Distribution sites.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: Elk Grove residents who meet requirements for food distribution programs
Address: 9820 Dino Drive, Ste.140, Elk Grove, CA 95624
Phone: (916) 685-8453
Email: valerie@egfbs.org
Website: https://elkgrovefoodbank.org/services-programs/pantry-4-pets/
Pet owners in need can pick up a free bag of cat or dog food.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Address: 2127 Front Street, Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone: (916) 808-7387
Note: drive-thru pet food distributions are offered Wednesdays, 10-noon; check website or contact the program to confirm schedule
Homebound older adults who receive home-delivered meals through Meals on Wheels by ACC may also request pet food deliveries.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: Meals on Wheels by ACC clients
Address: 7375 Park City Drive, Sacramento, CA 95831
Phone: (916) 444-9533
Website: https://www.mowsac.org/our-meals/home-delivery/
Note: Meals on Wheels ACC serves isolated, frail and homebound seniors age 60 and above who live in Sacramento County and have little to no formal or informal support
The Paw Pantry offers free dog and cat food for pet owners facing financial or other crises that make it difficult for them to purchase pet food.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Address: 6201 Florin-Perkins Rd., Sacramento, CA 95828
Phone: (916) 383-7387
Website: https://www.sspca.org/pawpantry-free-pet-food
Note: drive-thru pet food distributions are offered Tuesdays and Fridays, 9-11am; check website or contact the program to confirm schedule
Pet Care
The City of Elk Grove offers free licensing for spayed and neutered animals owned by people 65 and older. Older pet owners get a discount on licensing fees for unaltered animals. The City also offers assistance finding lost pets, adopting new pets, and surrendering pets when owners can no longer care for them.
Cost: varies by service
Who Is Eligible: Elk Grove residents
Address: 8401 Laguna Palms Way, Elk Grove, CA 95758
Phone: (916) 714-5115
Website: http://www.elkgrovecity.org/city_hall/departments_divisions/animal_services
The City of Folsom offers affordable microchipping and rabies vaccinations as well as assistance finding lost pets.
Cost: varies by service
Who Is Eligible: Folsom residents
Address: 50 Natoma Street, Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: (916) 461-6040
Website: https://www.folsom.ca.us/government/police/serving-our-community/animal-services
The City of Sacramento offers free and discounted vaccines, microchipping, and other veterinarian services.
Cost: varies (some services are free)
Who Is Eligible: varies by service
Website: https://www.cityofsacramento.org/Community-Development/Animal-Care/General-Information
This non-profit clinic provides affordable spay, neuter, and vaccine services for cats and dogs.
Cost: see website for costs (prices vary by animal weight and other factors)
Who Is Eligible: all dog and cat owners
Address: 3839 Bradshaw Road, Sacramento, CA 95827
Phone: (916) 368-7314
Website: https://communityspayneuter.com/
This website provides a list of local resources available to help older adults keep their pets despite mobility or financial difficulties. Resources include mobile veterinarians and groomers, pet walking services, and free and discounted veterinarian care.
Cost: varies (some services are free)
Who Is Eligible: vary by service
This organization works to reduce animal overpopulation by offering free or low cost spay and neuter services. They also provide education and assistance with feeding and caring for cats, dogs, and rabbits in the Rancho Cordova community.
Cost: free or low-cost services
Who Is Eligible: Rancho Cordova residents
Phone: (888) 532-5775
Email: RCWhiskerWarriors@gmail.com
Website: https://www.rcwhiskerwarriors.com/
Cost: contact organization for costs
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Phone: (916) 326-0033
Email: info@rivercitycatrescue.org
Website: https://www.rivercitycatrescue.org/
Sacramento County offers a variety of services to help pet owners, including the Bradshaw Animal Shelter Pet Pantry (see above) and low/no cost vaccines, microchipping, and spay/neuter services.
Cost: varies (some services are free)
Who Is Eligible: varies by service
Address: 3839 Bradshaw Road, Sacramento, CA 95827
Phone: (916) 368-7387
Email: CountyAnimalCare@SacCounty.net
Website: https://animalcare.saccounty.net/HelptheAnimals/Pages/PetOwnersinNeed.aspx
To help older adults enjoy the benefits of pet ownership, the Sacramento SPCA offers free vaccines, reduced or waived adoption fees, and discounts on products, training, and services.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: people 65 and older
Address: 6201 Florin-Perkins Rd., Sacramento, CA 95828
Phone: (916) 383-7387
Website: https://www.sspca.org/seniors
Finding a New Home for a Pet
This website helps pet owners connect with people looking to welcome a new pet into their home. Pet owners create an on-line profile for the animal that is viewable by people searching for a new pet.
This program helps pet owners plan for how their pets will be cared for if they are no longer able to do so.
Cost: minimum $4000 commitment per animal to cover food, vet care, and any emergency care as needed for the life of the animal
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Address: 6201 Florin-Perkins Rd., Sacramento, CA 95828
Phone: (916) 504-2805
Email: shaney@sspca.org
Website: https://www.sspca.org/pet-guardian-care-program
Note: this program also provides financial support to the SPCA
Death of a Pet
The SPCA offers cremation services as well as various urn options.
Cost: see website or contact SPCA for current fees
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Address: 6201 Florin-Perkins Rd., Sacramento, CA 95828
Phone: (916) 383-7387
Website: hhttps://www.sspca.org/general-information/cremation-services
The SPCA provides euthanasia services for pets who have been diagnosed by a veterinarian.
Cost: range from $60-110; see website or contact SPCA for current fees
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Address: 6201 Florin-Perkins Rd., Sacramento, CA 95828
Phone: (916) 504-2851
Website: https://www.sspca.org/euthanasia
The Sacramento SPCA recently constructed a columbarium where pets' ashes can be interred and where owners are welcome to visit for years to come. Discounts offered for older pet owners and SPCA volunteers.
Cost: see website or contact SPCA for current fees
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Address: 6201 Florin-Perkins Rd., Sacramento, CA 95828
Phone: (916) 504-2803
Email: sgrecocarter@sspca.org
Website: https://www.sspca.org/general-information/interment-services
This monthly support group offers a safe and compassionate space to share grief, discuss coping skills, and honor the lives of beloved pets after they pass away. The group meets virtually via zoom on the first Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:00pm.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone who has lost a pet; participants must complete a participant consent form
Address: 6201 Florin-Perkins Rd., Sacramento, CA 95828
Phone: (916) 383-7387
Website: https://www.sspca.org/petloss
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This page was originally created by Kaaliyah Oakley. Last updated 6/28/2022