OCEANSIDE, Calif — All pet owners know vet care and services can be expensive, and sometimes unaffordable. That's why Project Street Vet and the San Diego County Sheriff's Office help provide services in Oceanside to unhoused people's pets and those in need.
"Thank you very much for second time, thank you, thank you, thank you," Gus said.
Gus is one of many who brought his dogs to get vaccines, medicine and a check-up at the event Wednesday. This is the second time he's brought his dogs to Project Street Vet to get services at no cost.
About once a month, the organizations provide vet services at the Oceanside College Blvd. Sprinter station. Wednesday, Project Street Vet helped 21 dogs and three cats.
"Just getting a chance to have pets and pet parents get time with a veterinarian, get an exam, get vaccines they might need, get flea tick prevention," Danae Davis, Executive Director of Project Street Vet said.
Services they provide include vaccinations, check-ups, flea and tick medicine, other preventative medications and treatments, spay and neuter services and more. They also pass out donated food, toys and leashes.
"Sometimes we see people in tears for something as simple as time with a veterinarian or flea meds," Davis said.
The Sheriff's Office has worked with Project Street Vet for about a year and a half to help provide these services. They lend a helpful hand in spreading the word and volunteering.
It's been a great way to reach the community, build relationships, and then get the dogs their vaccines, flea and tick medication, food, toys, treats," Deputy Amber Sprague with the Sheriff's Office said.
The organizations said there's a strong need for vet services in the Oceanside community.
"We get out on foot, we go talk to people. Everybody here today, probably know them on a first name basis, which is special, not every law enforcement agency has a relationship like that with the people out on the streets," Sprague said.
For more information about Project Street Vet and ways to donate or volunteer click here.
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