Animal Services Assistance Program (ASAP)

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What is the Animal Services Assistance Program (ASAP)?

The Animal Services Assistance Program (ASAP) began when a couple of dedicated City of Rancho Cordova Animal Control Officers decided they wanted to have better options for residents and their pets. In their work, they discovered that many of the pets they were bringing to the animal shelter already had loving homes. The problem was simply a lack of community support and resources - especially access to affordable vet care.

The officers began applying for grants to create a new community program that would help pets stay in loving homes. The City of Rancho Cordova Animal Services team was awarded $73,000 from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, which kickstarted what is now known as the Animal Services Assistance Program (ASAP). Animal Services Officers are now able to help residents pay for their pet's vet visits, repair broken fences, and learn how to address training and behavior issues. Since being awarded the grant, the ASAP program has been supported by other large organizations, as well as private donors.

ASAP helps to prevent animals from becoming stray or entering crowded shelters due to solvable problems. The program improves relationships between neighbors by preventing animal-related conflicts and addressing behavior and confinement issues proactively. One family at a time, Animal Services is doing their part to make Rancho Cordova a healthier, happier place to live.

Our Mission

To implement a proactive approach to animal welfare that empowers residents, reduces conflict in our neighborhoods, and enhances the wellbeing of animals by providing sustainable, dignified community assistance to Rancho Cordova residents and their pets.

Our Supporters

UC Davis
California for all Animals
Maddie's Fund
Petco Love
And... you! Generous donations from the community keep ASAP going. Because of you, we can provide pet food and other essentials to those most in need. Thank you to those who have donated.

Support the Animal Services Assistance Program

This program is 100% grant and donation funded. We rely on the generous contributions of our community members and partnerships with local businesses to continue our lifesaving work in Rancho Cordova. Learn how to donate below.

Purchase items to donate from the Animal Services Chewy Wish List.
Purchase items to donate from the Animal Services Amazon Wish List.

Make a Monetary Donation

Other ways to help:

Drop-off in-kind donations at Neighborhood Services at 2880 Gold Tailings Court
- New or like-new pet toys, especially Kongs or similar toys
- Unopened cat and dog food
- New or gently used collars, leashes, and harnesses
- Gently used towels and blankets
- Supplies for bottle-fed kittens – heating pads, kitten milk replacer, bottles

In-kind donations can be left at the Rancho Cordova Neighborhood Services office at:

2880 Gold Tailings Court, Rancho Cordova, 95670

Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM | Closed holidays

Do You Need Urgent Help with Your Pet?

The Animal Services Assistance Program was created for situations where pet owners have exhausted all other options and may have to face surrendering or euthanizing their pets due to a lack of resources. Funding is extremely limited, so priority will be given to urgent cases where intervention will lead to the best outcomes. Applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we cannot guarantee that your application will be approved.

If you need help with:
- Vet care due to urgent or severe medical conditions
- Repairing fencing or other solutions to keep your animal confined
- Behavior issues that are making it difficult to keep your pet
- Feeding your animal
- Grooming due to severe matting or overgrown nails

How to Apply

Please contact Neighborhood Services to apply at 916.851.8852.

ASAP at Work

"Grandma's" Surgery Success

Animal Services Officer Paul received a phone call from a resident explaining that her cat, named “Grandma,” had a growth on her forehead. She had already taken “Grandma” to the vet but could not afford surgery to have the mass removed. The mass was growing rapidly and making “Grandma” more and more uncomfortable every day! Officer Paul knew she needed to help. She encouraged the resident to apply for ASAP, and once approved, “Grandma” was able to have her mass removed. She made a remarkable recovery and is thriving today.

"Princess's" Road to Recovery

Meet “Princess." Her owners had tried everything they could think of to remedy her chronic skin condition – from over-the-counter ointments and shampoos, to changing her diet. Nothing was working, and her condition progressed to the point that she lost almost all her fur. When Animal Services Officer Acuna arrived to look at her, she knew “Princess” would be a strong applicant to ASAP. Once her application was approved, “Princess” was able to go to the vet and receive a long list of medications that ultimately put her skin issues into remission! “Princess” even grew her fur back. She is happier and healthier than ever.

"Shark Bait" Gets Much Needed Help

One of ASAP’s most moving stories is that of “Shark Bait.” His owner never understood how much joy a pet could bring until she met a very special cat, originally named “Kitty Kitty.” His owner told us that he was there for her during very challenging times, and she credits his constant companionship with giving her the strength to overcome many obstacles in her life. One day, she noticed “Kitty Kitty” was limping. She did everything she could to help him, but his leg got worse and worse. It was clear to her that he had a severe infection, and it seemed like he wasn’t going to make it. She searched for low-cost vet clinics in the area and happened to find the Rancho Cordova Animal Services webpage. Hoping the program could help her beloved cat, “Kitty Kitty’s” owner called the office and applied to ASAP. Ultimately, “Kitty Kitty’s” leg had to be amputated, earning him the name he goes by today: “Shark Bait.” According to his owner, he was hardly slowed down at all by the loss of his leg! He is a happy, healthy tripod and will be there for his owner for many years to come.

"Ace's" New Yard Improvement

Rancho Cordova dog “Ace” is the definition of a lovable rascal. He loves to play and has a serious “fear of missing out” when he hears his neighbors playing in the yard next door. So much, in fact, that one day, he broke through some of the older pickets on his fence and went to play next door – even stealing a loaf of bread off his neighbor’s table! “Ace’s” owner knew something had to be done but couldn’t afford the cost to replace the broken fence panel, nor did she know how to repair a fence. She filled out an ASAP application and once approved, several staff from Animal Services helped her repair the fence. Now “Ace” has a safe, secure yard to play in, and his neighbors don’t have to worry about uninvited houseguests!

"California Love" is on her Best Behavior

Sometimes, a little support goes a long way. Officers responded to a call and discovered that a dog named “California Love” and her owner were about to lose their housing due to a lack of tools and resources for safely confining her. The owner was prepared to become unhoused to stay with “California Love,” but officers were able to provide a collar, harness and leash, a crate, and share some knowledge about how to manage her behavior and training. With these foundations in place, her owner was able to stay in his home with his beloved dog, and they are both doing well.

City of Rancho Cordova

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