On May 22, CARE4Paws hosted its Happy Tails fundraiser at the Music Academy of the West, netting about $120,000 for its critically important work, including providing free and low-cost veterinary care and free pet food and supplies to those in need. About 120 supporters gathered on the terrace of the Marilyn Horne Main House for a lovely reception and then were seated inside for the program. Others opted to watch the live-streamed program from home.
Executive Director Isabelle Gullo welcomed guests and shared how the pandemic significantly increased the demand for its assistance, such that it now serves more than 20,000 families per year, compared to about 7,000 pre-pandemic. She explained how its Mobile Pet Wellness Clinic ensures that neither cost nor transportation are barriers to pets getting spayed/neutered or receiving medical care. Last year, the mobile clinic served more than 10,000 dogs and cats, including performing 2,000+ spay/neuter surgeries.
The mobile clinic has weekly sessions in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc and, more recently, in Arroyo Grande too. While the medical care the clinic offers is not full service because of its mobile nature, it provides quite a range of care, including vaccinations, treating wounds and infections, doing dental cleanings and extractions, and performing a range of surgeries. When the pet’s needs are beyond its capacity, it makes a referral to a partner vet clinic and provides a financial contribution toward the care.