San Diego nonprofit gets $30K grant to provide medical care for pets of unhoused residents

A San Diego nonprofit has received a $30,000 grant to provide spay/neuter procedures, microchips, and vaccinations for 180 pets belonging to unhoused residents in the region, the Spay-Neuter Action Project (SNAP) announced.

Licensed veterinarians will perform these services using SNAP's mobile surgical suite, called the “Neuter Scooter,” at CARE outreach events. These events are organized by the city of San Diego in collaboration with county and nonprofit partners, according to the Times of San Diego.

In addition to surgeries and vaccinations, animals may receive free health exams, cardboard carriers, deworming, flea-and-tick treatment, nail trimming, pain medication, recovery collars, simple hernia repairs, and wound care if needed.

SNAP officials noted that the program also aims to assist pet owners in moving toward transitional or permanent housing, as many housing programs now require pets to be spayed or neutered as a condition of acceptance.

The grant was provided by the Brown Family Foundation, and SNAP’s director expressed gratitude for the opportunity to support unhoused individuals and their pets in San Diego.