When a pet owner is struggling to afford rent or food, a routine vet visit often falls by the wayside — but a single free clinic in Carson City just showed how much difference one morning of preventive care can make. On Saturday, Oct. 10, 105 pets received vaccinations, microchips, exams and more, all at no cost to their owners.
A small dog sports a Feeding Pets of the Homeless bandana during the free Duffield Pet Wellness Clinic in Carson City on Oct. 10, 2026.
Veterinary professionals, volunteers and community partners gather at the Feeding Pets of the Homeless Duffield Pet Wellness Clinic on Oct. 10, 2026, in Carson City, Nevada. The free clinic served 105 pets.
Feeding Pets of the Homeless and community partners provide free wellness services to pets of people experiencing homelessness or financial hardship
The event, hosted at FISH (Friends in Service Helping) in Carson City, was designed to remove the financial barriers that often keep low-income and unhoused pet owners from seeking routine veterinary care. For many families in crisis, the cost of a checkup or shot is simply out of reach, which means minor issues can escalate into emergencies — for both the pet and the people who depend on them.
Over the course of the morning, veterinary professionals and volunteers delivered basic care to 105 pets, administered 87 vaccinations, placed 74 microchips and handed out 48 spay/neuter vouchers. Pet food and supplies were also distributed free of charge.
“For many people experiencing homelessness or financial hardship, even basic veterinary care is unaffordable,” said Genevieve Frederick, founder and president of Feeding Pets of the Homeless. “These clinics provide essential care that pets might otherwise go without and help prevent minor health concerns from becoming serious. Through vaccinations, examinations and other preventive services, we protect pets, strengthen community health and help people stay with their beloved companions.”
The clinic was funded by a grant from the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation, with additional backing from corporate sponsor IntroVet and local partners. FISH hosted the event, while Riverside Veterinary Hospital and Peak Pet Urgent Care provided the veterinary services, and CASI contributed spay/neuter resources.
Feeding Pets of the Homeless works with veterinary professionals across the country to bring wellness services to underserved communities. Veterinarians and practices interested in launching a similar clinic can find sponsorship details and application information on the contact page at petsofthehomeless.org.
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About Feeding Pets of the Homeless
Feeding Pets of the Homeless believes in the healing power of companion pets and the human/animal bond, which is vital in the lives of people experiencing homelessness. Pets offer solace, protection and companionship. Many pet owners with limited resources often put their animals’ needs first. Our mission is to feed and provide basic emergency veterinary care to their pets, easing the burden on their guardians. For more information, visit petsofthehomeless.org.
Kristen Furleigh, MBA
Feeding Pets of the Homeless
+1 775-391-0732
email us here
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Why it matters: Free wellness clinics like this one do more than treat animals — they keep vulnerable people and their pets together while reducing strain on emergency services. With 87 vaccinations and 74 microchips placed in a single morning, the event shows how targeted community partnerships can deliver measurable public health benefits at no cost to those who need it most.
