TRUCKEE, Calif. — The Community Pet Financial Assistance Program provides financial support for necessary veterinary care to pet guardians living in Truckee, Sierra County, Eastern Placer County, Eastern Nevada County, Southeastern Plumas County, Incline Village and South Lake Tahoe.  

“Pets are family, and they belong with the people who love them,” said Kara Carstensen, HSTT’s outreach programs manager. “There are dozens of circumstances that prevent pet owners from accessing necessary veterinary care. This service provides needed support to low-income, senior, disabled, and other community members, so their pets receive the care they need without entering the shelter system.” 

Grant funding is provided for non-emergency veterinary care and is based on medical urgency, financial and circumstantial need. Grants cannot cover ongoing chronic treatment, cosmetic procedures or previously incurred veterinary bills.  

Eligibility Requirements Include: 

• Applicants must reside within HSTT’s service area. 
• Pets must require necessary veterinary care with a positive prognosis. 
• All participating pets must be spayed or neutered, if medically appropriate. 
• Funding must be pre-approved and will be paid directly to veterinarians. 

HSTT encourages pet guardians to reach out early, noting that timely care often prevents more serious or life-threatening conditions. 

“By providing better access to vet care, we hope to not only support the health of community pets, but also empower families and strengthen our community,” Carstensen said. 

For more information about HSTT’s Community Pet Financial Assistance Program, or to apply, visit https://hstt.org/services-resources/community-pet-financial-assistance/ or contact HSTT’s Community Resource Dept at, 530-582-2484. 

This program is made possible through generous support from regional grant funders, including the El Dorado Community Foundation (South Lake Tahoe), Lahontan Community Foundation Fund, Latrobe Fund (South Lake Tahoe), Martis Camp Foundation, Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, and the Tahoe Women’s Community Fund at the El Dorado Community Foundation.