The vast majority of pet guardians in Marin are quite comfortable, financially. But, there’s a population that struggles to meet the needs of their cherished animal companions. For a senior living on a strict fixed income, buying that next bag of dog food or dose of flea medication can be challenging. The same goes for the formerly homeless single mother who’s trying to get her life back on track while caring for an elderly cat, or the middle-aged man who suddenly finds himself unable to afford a necessary surgery for his beloved dog. Sadly, many of these people are forced to give up their pets, simply because they cannot afford to take care of them.
Keeping pets in their homes is of paramount importance at Marin Humane. It’s the best choice for the animal and benefits guardians, too. Often, for a low-income senior or a person with disabilities, their pet is their lifeline, main source of joy and, sometimes, their only companion. And the general care associated with a pet can help people live more active lives. As any pet guardian knows, animals need daily attention and help keep us moving. Pets help establish routines, which are beneficial to both animals and humans, like getting outside for a walk or simply grooming and playing.
Two important programs at Marin Humane help pet guardians in need: Pet Care Assistance provides ongoing support for those who live below the poverty line and our new Pet Safety Net provides one-time assistance for those temporarily struggling to care for their pet. Both programs are administered by a social worker at Marin Humane, who manages each case to ensure both pet and person are supported in the best way possible. She also coordinates with other organizations caring for these vulnerable populations.
Funded entirely by donations and grants, the two programs provided a lifeline for more than 450 people and their pets last year. Help includes pet food, supplies, money for veterinary care, behavior consultations visits and emergency boarding for pets in the event of a client’s hospitalization. We also work with local human needs organizations in Marin to distribute pet food and supplies to their clients.
As the season of giving approaches, Marin Humane is once again having a food and funds holiday drive.
“Requests for pet food and supplies come into our office daily,” says Annie Humphrey, community engagement manager at Marin Humane. “With the public’s help, we can make the season a little brighter for hundreds of Marin’s less fortunate pets and their guardians. For some, this may be the only gift they receive during the holidays.”
Donations can be dropped off at the Novato location (171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd.) or at Kitty Corner, in the Red Hill Shopping Center in San Anselmo. Financial contributions or gift cards are also welcome. Or, you can donate an item from our Amazon wish list. To learn more, go to marinhumane.org/pet-food-drive-2019.
Donating is the perfect way to demonstrate compassion for both animals and the people who love them.
Lisa Bloch is the director of marketing and communications at Marin Humane which contributes Tails of Marin articles and welcomes animal-related questions and stories about the people and animals in our community. Go to marinhumane.org, Twitter.com/marinhumane, or email lbloch@marinhumane.org
