Helping Paw

Keeping pets and their people together.

Our Helping Paw program provides both volunteer assistance and financial assistance so seniors, hospice patients and other pet guardians facing hard times can keep their dogs and cats with them.

Apply for Financial Assistance Apply for Volunteer Assistance

A man in a face mask in a parking lot, carrying a small pale chihuahua lying on a shaggy fleece blanket.

Solicitud de asistencia financiera en español

What we offer.

Volunteer help: walking, rides, short-term foster

For residents of Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties, subject to volunteer availability in your area. There are no income restrictions for volunteer assistance.
Financial help

For residents of Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties who can demonstrate financial need. Help with an urgent vet bill, up to $750, and up to $3,000 for major medical emergencies.

Supplies we can give you.

We can provide the following supplies that have been donated to us, as available. They must be picked up at our headquarters in Pacific Grove.

Dog and cat food
Flea prevention
Collars, leashes and ID tags
Crates and blankets
Dog jackets, sweaters and raincoats

A POMDR volunteer walking a small dog beside an older guardian on a quiet street.

Nobody has helped in any aspect of my life for many, many years as much as you guys. You restored my faith in humanity. Thank you for all the loving care of my dog.

Steve, Helping Paw client

Who qualifies, and what is covered.

Volunteer help: where and for whom

Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito county residents, where we have a volunteer near you. There are no income restrictions for volunteer help. Donations are welcomed.

Financial help: where and for whom

Residents of Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties. You must be able to demonstrate financial need in order to qualify for financial assistance.

What financial help covers, and what it does not

We cover urgent medical needs that will alleviate an animal's suffering, for cats and dogs: up to $750, and up to $3,000 for major medical emergencies. We do not cover routine veterinary care. We can provide flea treatment when available, by pre-arrangement, picked up at our office in Pacific Grove. All pets must be spayed or neutered to receive funding; if yours is not, POMDR covers the cost of spay or neuter at the time of treatment or shortly after.

Do I need an exam and an estimate first?

It is best if your pet has had an exam and you can provide us with an estimate for the care needed. In some circumstances we can cover the cost of the exam.

How often can I ask?

Our financial assistance is meant to be a one-time safety net during difficult times, with a limit of assistance once per year.

I cannot fill out the application

Call us at (831) 718-9122 and a volunteer will call you back to help you fill it out. The form is the fastest way to get help.

Could you walk a dog for someone who cannot?

Volunteer with Helping Paw

You love your dog. Let us help with the rest.