Hundreds of pet parents brought pooches of all shapes and sizes to the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds over the weekend, seeking free health care services. 

Annette Young, 36, and her 6-month-old pit bull-husky mix, Cayde, were standing at the entrance of Saturday’s drive-thru pet clinic, chatting with security staff before the 9 a.m. event. The Lathrop resident had been waiting since 3 in the morning to secure the first spot in line.

“The line usually gets crazy,” Young said. “(Cayde) needs his rabies shot because the city of Lathrop is hounding me. I just paid his license, but they’re like, You need proof of rabies.”

The San Francisco SPCA partnered with local organizations to host the free mobile clinic so pets in the community could receive needed care.

Services included microchipping and vaccines for lethal diseases, such as distemper, parvo and rabies. Families were encouraged to register online but could sign up in person.

Jennifer Scarlett, a veterinarian administering vaccinations at the clinic estimated that 750 people signed up. A line of cars snaked outside the fairgrounds parking lot before the event began, and a steady stream of residents sought out much-needed care for their pets throughout the day.

“The reason why we’re here is there’s such a veterinary shortage that many pet owners either can’t afford care or can’t access care because of that shortage,” Jennifer Scarlett, a veterinarian administering vaccinations at the clinic, told Stocktonia at the event. “And by doing this, we’re hopefully preventing these preventable diseases from popping up.”

A woman holding her small black and brown dog looks over paperwork with another woman, identified as a veterinarian, in blue disposable gloves.
On Saturday, Elodie Salas, holding her dog Lucy, goes over paperwork with a medical professional at a free drive-thru pet care clinic in Stockton at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds. Credit: Sammy Jimenez / Stocktonia
About a dozen cars are seen from behind lined up in a drive-thru that ends at a blue pop-up tent. Two people are also seen from behind walking in the direction of the cars.
Cars lining up for their pets to receive vaccines and other medical treatment at a free drive-thru clinic Saturday in Stockton at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds. Credit: Sammy Jimenez / Stocktonia

Stockton resident Elodie Salas came on foot carrying her 8-month-old Chihuahua-mini pinscher mix, Lucy. 

“I need the help, so I’m super grateful. It’s a great turnout, too, so that means there’s gonna be less sick dogs,” Salas said. “It’s gonna not put such a strain on resources we don’t have.”

Ashley Kluza, manager of the Stockton Animal Shelter, said the partnership between the SPCA and the city’s shelter was essential in hosting the event.

“It gives us a greater depth to be able to do these large-scale events,” Kluza said. “It also gives us more outreach opportunities.”

She said the clinics also help with Stockton’s problem with stray animals, as there aren’t a lot of places where residents can find cost-friendly services.

“Nationally, we’re in an overpopulation crisis,” Kluza said. “A lot of that has to do with the fact that access to veterinary care is very limited in certain areas, as well as the rise of (the cost of living).”

The event was a joint effort between the AG Spanos Companies, the Cool Cats & Barking Dogs community fundraiser, the Stockton Animal Shelter, the Animal Protection League and other local partners.

This is what “the Cool Cats Barking Dogs fundraiser is all about. It’s getting services to people who need it,” said Brenna Butler Gutierrez, AG Spanos’ vice president of community relations. “For the pets.” 

To donate or volunteer, visit the Stockton Animal Shelter.