Need low-cost medical care for your dog or cat? If you are a Contra Costa County resident facing serious financial crises, Community Veterinary Care (CVC) may be able to provide low-cost, non-urgent veterinary care for your pet at our clinic in Walnut Creek, California. Since 1995, Community Veterinary Care has been a lifeline for thousands of dogs and cats.
“I was desperate — thankfully I found Joybound. They helped save Motor, for which I am forever grateful!”
– Joceyln, Community Veterinary Care Client
Community Veterinary Care
Don’t let the cost of medical care get between your pet and their best, happiest life.
End-of-Life Services
When the time comes after a fulfilling life, Joybound can help with compassion and expertise.
Assistance Programs
Need help keeping your pet? Contact Community Solutions for assistance!
Community Veterinary Care
Community Veterinary Care treatment cannot be used for routine, exploratory, elective, preventative, or specialty veterinary care. Our Community Solutions program has seen an increase in applicants recently. We have limited appointments available and are currently booked up to six weeks in advance. We are scheduling appointments based on medical need and urgency.
For more options, view additional financial assistance options.
Please note: Due to overwhelming demands, we are temporarily suspending new applications for veterinary dental assistance to allow for the processing of current requests.
How Community Veterinary Care Works
Pets are seen by appointment only. The staff will collect a deposit fee of $60 at the time of scheduling your pet’s appointment that will be applied towards your appointment. You must be on time for your appointments. There is no guarantee you will be seen if you are late.
Our program can provide short term diagnostics and treatments, but does not have the capacity to provide long term, full-service veterinary care for patients and clients.
- The maximum number of pets treated per client, per year is two.
- The maximum number of visits per pet, per year is three.
Once your pet has been stabilized, your pet will be released from the program and will need to follow up with their regular veterinarian. Medical records for care provided at our clinic can be copied and given to you to take to your regular veterinarian.
- Community Veterinary Care is not a substitute for your primary care veterinarian. You will need to continue basic and ongoing veterinary care with your regular veterinarian.
- Community Veterinary Care is not a wellness program. We don’t see patients for routine annual exams, vaccines, flea/tick and heartworm preventative.
- Community Veterinary Care is not free. Costs of service through Community Veterinary Care are greatly discounted thanks to our donors. You will be expected to pay for services the day your pet receives them.
- Community Veterinary Care does not provide specialty or emergency care. If the service needed falls into this category, a Joybound representative will advise of other options.
- Community Veterinary Care is not a pharmacy. We can provide most medication to start treatment for newly diagnosed conditions and support the procedures we perform. However ongoing medications need to be filled by your regular veterinarian.
Community Veterinary Care Qualifications
- You and your pet(s) must reside in Contra Costa County, California.
- We require proof that you are the regular caretaker of the animal.
- The pet must be spayed/neutered. If the pet is not, Joybound’s clinic offers low-cost spay/neuter services.
- The pet must be up-to-date on their rabies vaccination. If the pet is not, one will be provided for a fee of $10. Community Veterinary Care does not provide any vaccines other than rabies.
What to Expect from Your CVC Appointment
Initial exam:
Your pet will receive a full exam. A veterinarian will meet with client and patient to determine a diagnostic and treatment plan. The type of treatment needed by the pet must be medically necessary and non-elective. Please bring all your pet’s previous records and vaccine history to your appointment or have them e-mailed or faxed in advance.
Costs:
An estimate for the treatment plan will be provided. Estimates will already include Community Veterinary Care discounts on veterinary care. The remaining total cost will be the client’s responsibility. Payment for diagnostic testing and/or procedures is required at the time of service. We are not obligated to provide payment plans or extend credit to clients. We do not accept Care Credit nor ScratchPay as forms for payment.
Scheduling for follow up procedures, diagnostics, and recheck appointments:
You may receive a treatment plan for your pet after the first exam. This will include the specific treatments, procedures, and diagnostics recommended by the veterinarian. Rechecks and follow up diagnostics are considered part of the three visit allowance whether your pet attends or not. We will collect a $30 deposit fee for a recheck appointment.
Discharge:
Once your pet’s medical concerns have been addressed, they will be released from the program. You will be provided with a summary of the veterinary care received at Joybound and any recommendations for ongoing care. The veterinarian may provide you with a written prescription good for one year if your pet requires ongoing medications. Your pet will be allowed to return within the year if compassionate euthanasia is requested.
Provide Care to Pets Who Need It Most
End-of-Life Services
When your pet is no longer able to live pain-free and with dignity, it may be time to think about compassionate euthanasia. In addition to veterinary care, Community Veterinary Care offers compassionate euthanasia to Contra Costa County residents who are in need of end-of-life services for their pet.
Our compassionate euthanasia services are designed to provide a gentle, humane end-of-life option for pets whose quality of life has irreversibly declined. Every animal in our care is treated with kindness and professionalism, and our team strives to support you and your family through this difficult experience with patience and understanding. Our goal is to offer peace of mind, comfort, and a sense of dignity for your pet’s final moments.
Please note: Community Veterinary Care is unable to handle emergency/urgent cases and has limited appointments available.
Compassionate Euthanasia Pricing
- Compassionate Euthanasia – $70
- Communal Cremation – $42
Private cremation costs are determined based on the weight of the pet.
- Private Cremation (< 3 lbs) – $130
- Private Cremation (3 – 20 lbs) – $161
- Private Cremation (20 – 50 lbs) – $169
- Private Cremation (50 – 80 lbs) – $177
- Private Cremation (80 – 100 lbs) – $192
- Private Cremation (100+ lbs) – $212
Credit cards, debit cards, and cash are accepted (no checks, please). Payment is due at the time of services.
Compassionate Euthanasia Qualifications
- You and your pet(s) must reside in Contra Costa County, California.
- We require proof that you are the legal guardian of the animal.
Pet Loss Support Meetings
Attending Joybound’s pet loss support meetings may be able to help you navigate the emotional feelings around losing a furry family member. In a nurturing, small group, you are encouraged to process natural feelings of grief resulting from the loss of a beloved animal companion. Our sessions are run by a compassionate facilitator and offer additional resources to help you continue your path towards peace and healing.
Veterinary Emergencies
Please Note: Joybound’s clinic is unable to offer emergency veterinary services.
If you are experiencing a veterinary emergency, please contact the nearest VEG ER for Pets (formerly Veterinary Emergency Group) branch or your local emergency vet. VEG ER for Pets offers 24-hour, walk-in emergency care for pets and is a proud partner of Joybound People & Pets. If you have reason to believe your pet has ingested poison, you can contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Hotline at (888) 426-4435 (consultation fee may apply).
More Resources for Pet Guardians
Pet Vaccinations
We offer free, monthly pet vaccination clinics, held at locations across Contra Costa County!
Pet Food
Nobody should have to choose between feeding their pet and feeding themselves.
Spay/Neuter Services
Our team safely sterilizes thousands of dogs and cats each year using the highest standards of care.
Pet Safety Net
We’re here to help keep pets out of municipal shelters, and with the family who loves them.
Community Veterinary Care
Need low-cost medical care for your dog or cat? Community Veterinary Care (CVC) may be able to help!
Rehoming Resources
Rehoming your pet yourself is usually a better option than bringing them to a shelter.
Community Cats
Trap-Neuter-Return is the only long-term strategy for humanely controlling the free-roaming cat population.
Financial Assistance
Here is a collection of resources (including Joybound’s) that can help assist with low-cost veterinary care.
Pet Loss & Grief Support
Pets are family — and losing a member of your family can be a painful and traumatic experience.
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