Front Street Animal Shelter has taken a significant leap in addressing the needs of Sacramento's unhoused pet owners with the launch of a new mobile veterinary clinic for its Homeless Outreach and Assistance Program (HOAP). After a year on the road, the clinic recently celebrated its first in-field neuter surgery, an important benchmark for expanding on-site vet care. "This moment has been years in the making," Animal Care Service Manager Phillip Zimmerman shared with Sacramento City Express, noting the program's innovative approach to community animal welfare.
Funded by Measure U, HOAP launched in May 2022 to ensure that pets of the unsheltered population remain healthy and with their owners. In the field, the HOAP team, despite being small, has managed to deliver thousands of treatments, such as vaccinations and essential supplies, Zimmermann explained in interviews. The mobile clinic now facilitates immediate exams, treatments, and even spay or neuter services that are often barriers to housing for those out in the streets.
HOAP Program Coordinator Jenna Topper outlined that the program covers multiple aspects of assistance, including in-the-field exams and microchipping. "Our team is dedicated to supporting people and their pets so that animal-related obstacles are not one of them," she told Sacramento City Express.
In an effort to expand their reach, Front Street Animal Shelter encourages community volunteers to join their mission. After completing a general volunteer program, individuals can lend a helping hand to the HOAP team and directly impact the lives of pets and their owners in need. For those seeking assistance, pet care resources and services can be found on the Animal Care's website. To stay updated with their work, follow the @hoap4petsandpeople on Instagram, where the team's stories and accomplishments are regularly posted.
