CONTRA COSTA, CA — Gas prices are pinching individuals and businesses alike. But they are also taking a toll on less obvious services like mobile veterinarian clinics and animal rescue.
Vehicles from the rescue organization Joybound People and Pets bring dogs and cats to new homes and carry veterinary care into Contra Costa neighborhoods and across California.
With gas costing the rescue about 21 percent more per gallon than it did at the start of the year, every trip now takes a bigger bite out of its budget, according to the organization.
Rising gas prices have increased the monthly fuel costs for the Walnut Creek-based Joybound by $165 to $453 per vehicle, depending on the vehicle and how it is used.
That is according to Joybound spokesperson Chelsea Blackburn. Each trip connects Joybound with the shelters, rescue groups, and local partners helping animals find homes and families care for their pets, she said.
The animal rescue organization sends vehicles across California to bring in dogs and cats and throughout Contra Costa County to deliver pet services.
Joybound paid approximately $5.19 per gallon at the beginning of the year. By September, its baseline fuel price had climbed 21% to approximately $6.28 per gallon.
Joybound makes about three animal intake trips each week. Transport routes reach as far north as Tehama County and as far south as Orange County.
The organization works with more than 35 municipal shelters and animal organizations around Contra Costa and California-wide, moving dogs and cats to Joybound and freeing space at partner facilities.
Closer to home, Joybound brings adoptable dogs and cats to two or three mobile adoption events each week. It also holds a free monthly pet vaccination and microchip clinic in Contra Costa County.
Several times a month, its 33-foot Stephen Ball Mobile Clinic travels to Contra Costa communities to provide spay and neuter services, often with municipal animal shelters.
Joybound also supports several FoodShare pet food pantries each month for qualifying guardians.
In a typical week, one vehicle may travel hundreds of miles to meet a shelter partner while others carry adoptable pets, veterinary services, food, and supplies into Contra Costa communities.
When fuel prices rise, an unexpected animal transport is needed, or more families turn to Joybound for help, monthly donors provide a steady foundation that ensure the next essential trip has the resources behind it, according to Blackburn.
"Those trips can't simply stop when fuel prices rise," she said.
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