How Measure X Changes Lives Across Contra Costa County

“After hearing from many advocates, this funding will improve the welfare of animals across the county.”

– Ken Carlson, Contra Costa County District IV Supervisor

Measure X’s Impact Through Joybound & Contra Costa Animal Services

Among those essential county services is Joybound People & Pets’ work to support Contra Costa County pet guardians, which we refer to as our Community Solutions. Community Solutions supports pet families and ensures essential veterinary care like vaccinations, microchips, and spay/neuter services are accessible for pets across the county with an emphasis on high intake areas (94565 and 94801) and surrounding areas. 

Measure X provided Joybound with a three-year contract supporting low-cost spay/neuter services in partnership with Animal Fix Clinic, to alter approximately 3,000 pets over that three-year period. Contra Costa County Supervisor Ken Carlson said, “After hearing from many advocates, this funding will improve the welfare of animals across the county.” 

This funding also supports free pet vaccination & microchip clinics and pet retention services, allowing Joybound to provide vaccination services for a minimum of 3,600 pets over those three years. Plus, the families of approximately 500 pets will receive the funds they need and prevent the need to surrender their pets for financial reasons. Joybound is on pace to surpass both of those figures, maximizing the impact of these critical funds in the community.

The $700,000 in Measure X funding to Joybound has been broken down into three major categories: case support (5%), vaccination clinic staffing (14%), and directly serving our clients (81%). This has made it possible to double the outreach and impact of these crucial community programs.

Joybound is incredibly grateful for our partnership with Contra Costa County Animal Services and the vital funding they provide. With the ongoing rise in veterinary costs and service shortages, collaborations like this will make a significant difference in keeping families together and pets healthy across the county. 

Keeping Pets Out of Shelters 

Like many counties across the country, Contra Costa County has seen an increase in the number of families struggling with financial or practical barriers to pet guardianship. According to Forbes Advisor, nearly two-thirds (63%) of pet guardians reported they would struggle to cover a surprise veterinary bill, putting many pets and their families at risk of heartbreaking decisions like abandonment, economic euthanasia, and surrender. With rising veterinary costs, essential services like vaccinations and spay/neuter procedures are out of reach for many. 

In response, Joybound’s Community Solutions offer solutions in the form of: 

• Free Pet Vaccination & Microchip Clinics 
• Free FoodShare Pantry 
• Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Services 
• Community Veterinary Care 
• Pet Safety Net 
• Free Wellness Clinics for Veterans’ Pets 
• Free Pet Loss Support Meetings 
• And More! 

By providing these essential services, we help families avoid tough choices and ensure that pets remain healthy and with their families. The need for this support is expected to continue growing, and we are committed to addressing this gap in care. 

Joybound’s Impact

Through Measure X funding and generous donations, Joybound’s Community Solutions and Clinic teams were able to make the following impact in FY 2024-2025:

Measure X Impact 

When distributing Measure X funds, a variety of crucial community needs were taken into consideration, with funds directed towards causes to address the various community needs identified. For County Costa County’s official data about the spending and impact of Measure X, across agencies including Public Works, Fire Protection, Human Services, Social Justice, and more, please view the Measure X Community Impact report.