.jpg)
Two years ago, PAWS started with a simple but powerful belief: loving your pet should not depend on your housing situation or your income. What began as an idea has grown into something Sacramento County truly depends on. We are now celebrating two years of PAWS and the real impact it has made on pets and the people who love them.
PAWS, which stands for Pets Aid & Wellness Services, was created to remove barriers to veterinary care. Instead of expecting people to come to us, this mobile veterinary program brings care directly into the community. It meets people where they are, offering compassion, respect and real solutions.
Access to veterinary care can be the difference between keeping a beloved pet or facing an impossible decision. PAWS focuses on prevention, basic medical treatment, vaccinations, microchipping and wellness support so pets can stay healthy and at home. In just two years, it has become a trusted and essential resource for families who may not otherwise have access to care.
And the growth has been undeniable.
In 2023, PAWS provided 158 total exams and spay and neuter procedures. In 2024, that number surged to 1,573. In 2025, PAWS delivered 1,506 services, sustaining the significant growth achieved in year two.
Wellness services increased from just 67 visits in the first year to more than 1,000 annually. What once averaged 17 wellness visits per month now averages more than 90 per month.
These are not just numbers. They represent pets vaccinated against preventable disease. Animals treated before minor conditions become emergencies. Litters that will never be born into homelessness. Families who did not have to choose between surrendering a beloved companion or going without care.
For someone living without stable housing, a pet is often their closest source of comfort, safety and emotional stability. When that pet becomes sick or injured, the fear is overwhelming. PAWS reduces that fear. It provides reassurance. It preserves dignity.
For the shelter, every spay and neuter surgery prevents future intake. Every vaccination reduces disease risk. Every wellness visit strengthens community trust. PAWS is not just a mobile clinic. It is prevention in motion.
This anniversary is not just about looking back. It is about building what comes next.
PAWS has already raised $200,000 toward a new medical trailer and needs $100,000 more to make it a reality. That trailer will allow the team to travel farther, reach more neighborhoods, and serve even more pets in need.
There is also a goal to raise $20,000 for expanded spay and neuter support. Preventing unwanted litters reduces shelter intake and helps families avoid unexpected medical costs. It is one of the most effective ways to create lasting change.
An additional $50,000 will go toward lifesaving dental care. Dental disease is painful and often overlooked, yet it affects a pet’s entire quality of life. Funding these procedures means more pets can eat comfortably, live without chronic pain, and stay with the people who love them.
In just 24 months, PAWS has grown from a vision into a lifeline. It has strengthened families, supported responsible pet ownership, and created measurable impact across Sacramento County. The progress is real, and the need continues.
As we celebrate two years, we are focused on ensuring PAWS can keep moving forward. With continued community support, the next chapter can reach even more pets and people.
Ready to make an impact? Help us continue this lifesaving work by supporting PAWS today. Every dollar helps us reach more pets and people across Sacramento County.
Donate here: https://LicensePet.com/SacramentoDonation