In January, February, & March, our DDR Pet Support Space counselors and outreach workers provided 1277 new clients and 397 returning clients with services including veterinary care, spay/neuter surgeries, and pet food and supplies.
Chevy’s person was referred to DDR by an employee at the Harbor Shelter preventing another dog from entering the shelter.
Of the families with pets to enter our program, 999 were dogs and 278 cats. Of the returning families, 269 were dogs and 128 were cats. Because DDR is committed to providing more than a one time medical payment, or a limit to the type of assistance that we offer, many low income families, and people experiencing homelessness with pets, need our support ongoing. Support can be monthly medication, a follow up veterinary visit, ongoing treatment for a chronic painful condition, or monthly pet food and supplies picked up at our new store Clancy’s Closet located at 3925 Tweedy Blvd in South Gate.
This is a breakdown of the types of services that we provided
1% shelter redemptions
1% humane euthanasia for a suffering senior pet
60% veterinary care + hospitalization
28% spay + neuter surgeries
10% pet food and other supplies
21 year old Chica was brought to the South LA Shelter because her family could not afford the special kidney diet that she must eat, and could not afford the dental care that she desperately needed
DDR counselors are at the South LA Shelter every Tuesday and Thursday to meet people contemplating surrendering their pets due to a financial hardship. In our ten years of experience, creating and running our shelter intervention program, we know that most of the clients that we assist came to the shelter as a last resort, not knowing where else to turn. As stated above, 60% of all cases that we are involved is a need for veterinary care. Not only can families not afford veterinary care, often, they cannot get an appointment, and when they go to a hospital, many are quoted at costs they cannot afford. Most people can pay something, but they need our help. It’s only through your generous support that we can continue to prevent suffering and increase the number of pets staying with the families that love them. #becauseweallneedhelpsometimes
Please consider making a donation today
