“By bringing essential veterinary services directly to unhoused pet owners and making spaying and neutering surgeries accessible, we hope to make a positive impact on both the pets and the individuals who love them,” said Annette Bedsworth, Director of Bradshaw Animal Shelter.
The mobile clinic will operate at least three days a week, traveling to different locations throughout Sacramento County, strategically identifying and adapting its schedule to serve areas where these services are most urgently required.
In addition to the clinic removing the barrier of transportation, PAWS will also remove the financial barrier of essential veterinary care. All services will be sponsored by Sacramento County with funds provided by the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
“This is very personal for me,” Dr. Metcalf said. “I know what it’s like to have a family member who has been unhoused, and I know how important our family dog was to him and how their bond helped him, so this program really resonates with me.”
PAWS represents a significant milestone in ensuring that the region’s most vulnerable pets are able to receive medical care, and will help reduce unwanted litters, pet overpopulation, and preventable diseases in the County.
The operating schedule of PAWS will be posted on Bradshaw Animal Shelter’s website once it launches. For more shelter updates, please follow the shelter on Facebook and Instagram.