According to the CCSPCA 30,000 animals per year enter severely overcrowded Valley shelters, a high percentage of these are senior dogs with age-related health conditions. In 2015 about 65% of those animals were euthanized. In 2016 the Fresno Bee reported that the Central Valley ranked 2nd most impoverished region in the nation; euthanasia rates in this region are alarmingly high. Financial reasons play a huge role in an owner’s heart-wrenching decision to surrender their companion animal to a shelter, especially older pets who often have chronic illnesses that are expensive to treat.

While rescues and no-kill shelters are critical to addressing the problem once an animal enters the shelter environment pet retention programs, like those in Riverside, Carson, San Bernardino, and Santa Barbara are one of the most effective ways to save lives by reducing the number of pets entering the shelter system, to begin with. Until now the Central Valley has offered no such option, despite the overwhelming need.

The Pandora’s Fund covers up to $1,000 in critical vet care services to financially challenged owners of dogs 6 years and older. Criteria for the program is based on income qualifications for low-income levels as set by other assistance programs in the area. Applicants typically are referred to this program by vets, vet techs, groomers, case managers/social workers, and landlords from income controlled housing, who are aware of the pet owner’s income status. An application is required as is proof of income to qualify for the program.

Elder Paws Senior Dog Foundation, formerly a senior dog rescue, began offering it’s Pandora’s Fund pet retention program in Sept of 2016 after seeing a critical need in the community that was not being met. In the first 6 months of this innovative program, we assisted 18 pet owners to retain their aging pets, preventing these pets from entering overcrowded public shelters.

We are a 501c3 non-profit run entirely by volunteers. As we rely solely on the generosity of the public we hope you will take a few minutes to look around our website and find a way to offer your support. Whether it be sharing our social media posts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest), volunteering your time to help with fundraising efforts, following up with our pet owners, sponsoring silent auction items for our annual fundraiser, or donating items on our wish list, we would love to have you on our team!