Joybound People And Pets Fka Tony Larussas Animal Rescue Foundation

Veterinary clinic:joybound's onsite veterinary clinic provided essential medical care and surgical procedures for animals in our adoption program. Additionally, through our public spay/neuter initiatives, we supported community members and rescue partners in addressing companion animal overpopulation. A total of 3,750 spay and neuter surgeries were performed during the year for both shelter and public animals, helping to reduce shelter intakes and prevent unwanted litters.

Community outreach programs:joybound's shelter to service program fosters healing and empowerment by pairing veterans administration (va)-referred veterans coping with psychological trauma with carefully selected shelter dogs. These dogs may serve as emotional support animals or enter training to become psychiatric service dogs. Veterans can choose to engage in a structured, cohort-based training program that guides them in training their own service dogs, strengthening their bond and instilling confidence.this year, 7 animals were paired with military veterans, while 394 pets belonging to veterans received free wellness care, vaccinations, and preventive treatments through joybound's on campus clinic and mobile clinic services at the va. Eligible veterans also received free pet food and assistance with veterinary expenses.joybound's board approved expansion of the shelter to service program to include any individual experiencing mental health challenges. These participants must also come through a referral from a licensed clinician, with the first non-veteran participants expected to begin in the new fiscal year.joybound's pet safety net program provided counseling, financial support, and resource referrals to help 585 families retain their pets during times of crisis. The community solutions team responded to 1,603 calls and emails, offering expert guidance to community members facing animal-related challenges. Joybound began hosting monthly free vaccine and microchip clinics in january 2024 to provide essential preventive care for pets in underserved communities serving 1,200 cats and dogs in its first six months. These clinics are offered on the joybound campus and at partner locations across contra costa county and help protect public health by delivering core vaccinations and by ensuring pets can be identified and reunited with their families through microchipping. By removing financial and logistical barriers, the program supports pet retention, helps keep pets healthy and reduces shelter surrenders. In addition, 432 veterinary exams were provided through the community veterinary care fund (cvc) to pets from low-income households in contra costa county, ensuring these animals receive critical care. Our foodshare pantry program ensured that 21,682 cats and dogs did not go hungry, and for grieving pet owners, joybound held 8 pet loss support group meetings, providing support and care during a very difficult time.

Behavior & training: joybound resumed a robust schedule of in-person training classes aimed at promoting positive pet behavior and strengthening the human-animal bond. This included basic manners courses, puppy socials, and other group training sessions that served 2,195 dogs. The organization also reintroduced private consultations, with 341 dog and cat guardians receiving customized support either in person, virtually or by phone.grooming academy:joybound launched its grooming academy in june 2024 to address workforce barriers while supporting community pet wellness. The academy provides hands-on training in professional grooming for individuals facing employment challenges, including veterans and others with limited access to job opportunities. Graduates are equipped with marketable skills for careers in the pet care industry. At the same time, the program offers affordable grooming services to the public and to joybound's shelter animals, improving adoptability and overall animal wellbeing.service volunteers:joybound's pet hug pack therapy animal program continued to provide emotional support and companionship to individuals in hospitals, schools, care facilities, and community outreach events. This year, pet hug pack teams brought comfort and joy to more than 10,878 people across dozens of sites. All therapy animals are temperament-tested, healthy, and trained for their important roles. In addition, 889 animals were cared for by joybound's volunteer foster families. These dedicated individuals provided temporary homes and loving care, giving vulnerable dogs and cats a much needed break from the shelter environment. 543 active volunteers shared 45,881 hours of their time across joybound's full breadth of programs.