Free Pet Food Pantry (Location TBD)

Who qualifies for free pet food from Joybound’s FoodShare pantry?

Free pet food at Joybound’s FoodShare pantry is available to pet guardians who live in Contra Costa County and are at least 18 years of age. Please have proof of Contra Costa County residency ready and available at the clinic – digital proof on your smart phone is accepted as well!

How can I prove my Contra Costa County residency for free pet food?

The following are acceptable for proof of residency:

• Driver’s license or government ID (not a student ID) 
• Utility bill, lease, or letter with a Counta Costa County address and name that matches photo ID 

You can provide this information on your smart phone as well! 

If you do not have an acceptable ID available, please flag a staff member or volunteer to confirm. You may be rerouted to the Community Solutions table for resources on other pet food resources that align with your geographic location or do not have county-based restrictions.   

What do I need to bring to the FoodShare pantry event?

In addition to bringing proof of Contra Costa County residency, please bring a bag to carry your bags of pet food. Joybound recommends a tote, a grocery bag, or something of a similar size.

You do not need to bring your pet to the FoodShare pantry event to receive food.

Where and when are Joybound’s FoodShare pantry events held?

Joybound’s FoodShare pantry events are held every month in rotating locations across Contra Costa County, in tandem with our free pet vaccine and microchip clinics. Generally, the events are held on the second Saturday of the month, but that date may change due to scheduling conflicts on the side of Joybound or the venue. Additional FoodShare pantry dates may be offered directly through Joybound or in conjunction with local community support events.

What kind of pet food is offered at Joybound’s FoodShare pantry event?

Thanks to our partnership with Purina, Joybound’s FoodShare pantry distributes dry Purina dog food and dry Purina cat food to pet guardians. Additional food donated by individual donors may be offered based on availability but cannot be guaranteed. This includes wet/canned food. Unfortunately, special pet food requests and prescription food cannot be provided.

How much pet food will I receive from Joybound’s FoodShare pantry?

The general guidelines for how much food distributed at a FoodShare pantry event are:

• One bag of cat food per two cats, with a maximum of two bags per household. Each bag of cat food typically weighs around 6 lbs. 
• Two bags of dog food per dog, with a maximum of four bags per household. Each bag of dog food typically weighs around 4 lbs. 

These distribution amounts may vary depending on our inventory at the time of the event. Guests cannot get back in line multiple times for more food at the same FoodShare pantry event

Do I need to make an appointment to receive food from Joybound’s FoodShare pantry?

Appointments are not needed at Joybound’s FoodShare pantry events. These services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis for as long as supplies last.

If I am picking up pet food as part of a free pet vaccine & microchip clinic, do I need to wait in the vaccine line?

If you are attending a FoodShare event held in tandem with a free pet vaccine and microchip clinic, you will find that there is only one line until the start time of the clinic. After the clinic opens, you will be redirected to the Community Solutions table for pet food.

Am I guaranteed to receive food if I visit a FoodShare pantry event?

As our free pet food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, we cannot guarantee that our inventory will last until the scheduled end of the FoodShare pantry event. To maximize your chances of being served, we recommend arriving on the earlier side if possible.

Does Joybound’s FoodShare pantry also provide kitty litter?

We cannot guarantee that kitty litter will be available at Joybound’s FoodShare pantry events. However, on rare occasions we may have some available, depending on supplies.

Am I allowed to pick up free pet food on behalf of someone else?

If you need to pick up pet food for another party (family member, neighbor, friend, etc.) at Joybound’s FoodShare pantry, we can accommodate that.

Please note that you and the person you are picking up food for must both be Contra Costa County residents and the household limit of two bags of cat food and four bags of dog food applies to the whole pickup. Guests cannot get back in line multiple times for more food at the same FoodShare pantry event.

Will Joybound’s FoodShare pantry event be cancelled due to poor weather?

Due to the importance of these FoodShare pantry events, as well as community demand, services will continue – rain or shine. During potentially dangerous weather conditions (lightning, heavy wind, etc.), please check Joybound’s social media accounts for updates on the status of the upcoming clinic event.

Can I pick up free pet food directly at Joybound’s Walnut Creek headquarters?

Joybound’s FoodShare pantry has transitioned away from direct distribution at our Walnut Creek facility in favor of strengthening our partnerships with community-based organizations to get pet food to more families in need. Unless there is a scheduled FoodShare pantry event onsite or you have directly heard otherwise from a member of our team, pet food will not be distributed at our Walnut Creek headquarters.

Where does the funding / resources for Joybound’s FoodShare pantry come from?

Joybound’s FoodShare pantry is made possible through a partnership with Purina, who generously provides high-quality pet food for Contra Costa County pets as well as for Joybound’s shelter animals. Joybound also reserves a portion of its budget, funded through the generosity of donors, to purchase food to supplement the FoodShare stock whenever necessary. Unlike our free pet vaccine and microchip clinics, Joybound’s FoodShare pantry is not funded by Contra Costa County’s Measure X.

Where can I get free pet food if I am not a Contra Costa County resident?

There are a variety of incredible organizations across Northern California who can help pet guardians outside of Contra Costa County. Please visit our “Pet Food Resources” list to find a provider near you.

Am I guaranteed to receive services if I show up to Joybound’s free pet vaccine and microchip clinic?

While Joybound strives to serve as many pets and pet guardians as possible, joining the line does not guarantee you and your pet will be seen or offered services that day. Once you are registered, receive a number, and have completed the necessary paperwork, you will be routed to one of our medical stations. Our team will do our best to inform you of when we are at capacity as soon as possible. If you choose to remain in line or wait in the area after registration is closed, you do so at your own discretion will not be provided with services.

Who qualifies for services at Joybound’s free pet vaccine and microchip clinics?

Services at Joybound’s free pet vaccine & microchip clinics are available to pet guardians who live in Contra Costa County and are at least 18 years of age. Please have proof of Contra Costa County residency ready and available at the clinic – digital proof on your smart phone is accepted as well!

The vaccine and microchips are for dogs and cats only, and the animals served must be at least 6 weeks old and safely under control on a leash or in a carrier. Feral cats or community cats do not qualify for these services. 

How can I prove my Contra Costa County residency for services?

The following methods are acceptable for proof of Contra Costa County residency:

• Driver’s license
• Government ID
• Utility bill or lease with a Contra Costa County address and name that matches photo ID

If preferred, you can provide this information on your smart phone as well!

If you do not have an acceptable ID available, please flag a staff member or volunteer to confirm. You may be rerouted to the Community Solutions table for resources on other free or low-cost vaccine clinics that align with your geographic location or do not have county-based restrictions.

What do I need to bring to the free pet vaccine and microchip clinic event?

In addition to bringing proof of Contra Costa County residency, please bring any prior vaccine records the pet has, if available and applicable.

Please ensure your pets in attendance are under control, with dogs on a leash or in a pet carrier and cats in pet carrier throughout the duration of the event. For puppies under 6 months of age, we ask that they are not placed on the ground, instead carried in someone’s arms, or in a wagon (still with a leash or in carrier).

How many pets are treated at a free vaccine and microchip clinic event?

Due to the number of variables for each unique clinic event, we are unable to provide estimations on how many pets will be served. Joybound’s clinic strives to accommodate as many dogs and cats as possible within our capacity on any given clinic day.

When do Joybound’s free vaccine and microchip clinics begin, when should I arrive, and how long are the open for?

The start time of Joybound’s free vaccine and microchip clinics depends on the time of year. From October to April, they begin at 9:00 AM, and from May to September they begin at 8:00. Due to high community demand, we encourage clients to arrive early, as registration and check-in may take a couple hours.

While we strive to serve as many pets and families as possible, demand often exceeds our available capacity, and we cannot guarantee that all attendees will receive services. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to support our community

Where and when are Joybound’s free pet vaccine and microchip clinics held?

Joybound’s free pet vaccine and microchip clinics are held every month in rotating locations across Contra Costa County. Generally, the events are held on the second Saturday of the month, but that date may change due to scheduling conflicts on the side of Joybound or the venue. You can find a list of upcoming dates and locations on our website.

What kind of vaccines and services are offered at Joybound’s free pet vaccine and microchip clinics?

Joybound’s free pet vaccine and microchip clinics can offer the following services:

• Dog vaccinations:
  • DAPP (Distemper, Adenovirus type 2, Parainfluenza, & Parvovirus) vaccines
  • Rabies vaccines
• Cat vaccinations:
  • FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, & Panleukopenia) vaccines
  • Rabies vaccines
• Microchipping
• Dry dog and cat food (please bring a bag or tote to carry the packaged food)
• Additional resources through Joybound’s Community Solutions programs

The team at these community clinics is unable to provide Canine Influenza vaccines, Leptospirosis vaccines, Bordetella vaccines, etc. 

Is flea and ticket preventative offered at these clinic events?

Flea and tick medication is not guaranteed to be offered at these clinic events. Depending on available supplies at the time of the event, we may have limited amounts available. If available, all pets receiving flea and tick preventative medication must also be receiving vaccines and/or microchip services.

Can I feed my pet after they receive their vaccinations?

Yes, you can feed your pet after they receive their vaccinations. There is no reason to withhold food after these services.

When are my puppy’s vaccines effective and when can my puppy walk outside?

Joybound recommends discussing your pet’s individual vaccination needs with your primary veterinarian. According to American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) guidelines, puppies under 16 weeks of age should receive 3 DAPP vaccines every 2-4 weeks until they are at least 16 weeks old. Dogs over 16 weeks of age who have not completed their vaccine series should receive at least 2 DAPP vaccines, 2-4 weeks apart. Your pet should be considered fully protected 14 days after the final recommended vaccine.

Will Joybound’s free pet vaccine and microchip clinic be cancelled due to poor weather?

Due to the importance of these free pet vaccine and microchip clinics, as well as community demand, services will continue – rain or shine. During potentially dangerous weather conditions (lightning, heavy wind, etc.), please check Joybound’s social media accounts for updates on the status of the upcoming clinic event.

Where can I take my pet for these services if I am not a Contra Costa County resident?

There are a variety of incredible organizations across Northern California who can help pet guardians outside of Contra Costa County. Please visit our Pet Vaccination Resources list to find a provider near you.

Where is Joybound located?

Joybound’s national headquarters and primary adoption center are located at 2890 Mitchell Drive, in Walnut Creek, California.

The Joybound Thrift Store, Cat Lounge & Adoption Center is located at 1950 Market Street, Suite I, in Concord, California.

What kind of shelter or rescue is Joybound?

Joybound People & Pets (formerly the Animal Rescue Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization founded in 1991 to rescue dogs and cats from overcrowded municipal shelters and strengthen the human-animal bond for children, seniors, Veterans, and people in need. Read about our unique dual mission and origin story.

Our team is committed to finding homes for all healthy and treatable dogs and cats in our care. Animals with treatable medical or behavioral conditions are evaluated and cared for prior to rehoming them. Learn more about these classifications by reviewing Maddie’s Fund’s Health & Behavior Categories for Shelter Animals. Potential adopters are provided with all health and behavior history during their time at Joybound. 

Can I surrender an animal to Joybound?

We rescue dogs and cats from overcrowded or under-resourced municipal shelters. We do not accept surrenders from the public. If you feel unable to continue caring for your pet, please contact our Resource Center or read about rehoming a pet. 

If you adopted from Joybound, our team is here to support you through the difficult decision to return your companion. Please read our adoption return policy. 

How is Joybound funded?

We are a non-profit organization funded by private donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Our complete financial information is available here. Joybound is a registered charity in all 50 states.

Does Joybound offer programs for children?

From birthday parties to animal-themed camps, we have a wide variety of programs to help nurture the next generation of animal-lovers.

Does Joybound offer advice on caring for a pet?

The Pet Care and Behavior Library is filled with helpful information on pet care, solutions for common behavior challenges, training tips, and more. 

If you do not see a certain topic covered, please contact the Resource Center for guidance.

Does Joybound offer veterinary services?

Animals in our adoption program are given veterinary care at our state-of-the-art clinic, but we do not provide primary veterinary services to the public.

Limited services are available for low-cost spay and neuter, dental cleaning services, end-of-life services, veterinary assistance programs for low-income pet guardians, and wellness veterinary care for Veterans’ pets. Explore veterinary assistance options.

Will Joybound help fund my organization or project?

We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, relying solely upon donations to fund our programs. We are not a granting organization and do not accept solicitations for funding.