Measure X in Action

How County Funding Helps Keep Pets Healthy and Families Together

On Nov. 4, Joybound was recognized by Contra Costa County Council on Homelessness for its outstanding partnership and collaboration.

In November 2020, Contra Costa County voters passed Measure X — a half-cent sales tax designed to protect the county’s most vulnerable residents. For many families, that includes the four-legged loved ones who share their hearts and lives.

At Joybound People & Pets, Measure X funding has transformed what compassion looks like in action.

Through this critical investment, Joybound has expanded its Community Solutions pet assistance programs to ensure families can access essential services to keep people and pets together — vaccinations, microchipping, spay and neuter services, veterinary care, behavior & training and more — without facing impossible financial choices. A three-year Measure X contract supports subsidized spay and neuter surgeries in partnership with Animal Fix Clinic, with a goal of altering approximately 3,000 pets. The funding also provides free vaccine and microchip clinics on track to exceed serving at least 3,600 pets and Pet Safety Net assistance helping nearly 500 families avoid the heartbreak of surrender.

As veterinary and pet-related costs continue to rise, nearly two-thirds of pet guardians report struggling to cover unexpected medical bills.

Measure X funding ensures that love doesn’t have to come with an impossible price tag. It’s important to remember that every one of those impact numbers has a story, like 12-year-old chihuahua, Tommy.

“When we returned to the vet, I was encouraged to seek financial assistance,” his guardian shared. “When I applied to Joybound, everything changed.”
Thanks to Measure X–funded services, Joybound provided the veterinary care Tommy needed. Tests revealed not only a mild tracheal issue, but a serious level-four heart murmur. Joybound subsidized the cost of diagnostics, medication, and follow-up veterinary care, giving Tommy’s family something priceless: clarity and hope.

“Because of Joybound, I was finally able to get answers and a plan for Tommy’s care. The compassion, patience, and support we received meant more than I can express. Joybound gave us clarity, relief, and hope during a time when we truly needed it.”

Together with Contra Costa County, Joybound is keeping pets healthy, families intact, and hope alive — one story at a time.

Note: This article was featured in Joybound’s Spring 2026 issue of Joy Magazine. With a gift of just $25 to Joybound, you can be added to our mailing list and receive Joy in your mailbox for one year!