Nevada County’s heart has always been its compassion—for neighbors, nature, and the animals that share our homes and hillsides. This fall, that spirit is showing up in a big way. Across the county, organizations are rolling out free spay/neuter services, pet food support, and adoption opportunities to make animal care more accessible for everyone, no matter their budget.

Whether you’re a lifelong pet parent or just thinking about adopting, here’s a look at the latest programs helping to keep tails wagging and paws protected across Nevada County.

Free and Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Options

One of the biggest barriers to responsible pet ownership is cost—and thankfully, several local groups are tackling that head-on.

Free County Clinic – North San Juan: On October 21–22, the SNIP Mobile Vet Clinic will be parked at the North San Juan Community Center offering free spay and neuter surgeries. Spots are limited, and registration is required.

County Spay/Neuter Program: Year-round assistance is available through the Nevada County Animal Services Spay/Neuter Program for residents who live outside city limits. It’s open to one animal per household and covers cats and dogs.

AnimalSave Clinic: For those who don’t qualify for free programs, AnimalSave in Grass Valley provides affordable surgeries and basic veterinary care all year long.

Sammie’s Friends Feral Cat Program: If you’re helping manage a local cat colony, Sammie’s Friends offers free feral cat sterilization vouchers through their Cat Crisis Fund in partnership with local vets.

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Vaccines and Preventive Care

Staying current on vaccines shouldn’t break the bank. The VIP Petcare mobile clinic sets up at Incredible Pets in Grass Valley every Saturday, offering low-cost vaccines, microchipping, and wellness checks. Appointments aren’t required, but early arrivals usually get served faster.

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Pet Food & Supply Support

For families facing financial hardship, Nevada County Pets in Need (NCPIN) helps bridge the gap. Their Pet Food Assistance Program supports seniors, veterans, and low-income residents with free pet food and essential supplies for up to a year, with reapplication options for long-term needs.

These programs make it possible for families to keep their pets home, safe, and cared for—even through tough times.

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Adoption and Thrift Support

If you’re looking to bring a new furry friend into your life, Sammie’s Friends Animal Shelter is the county’s adoption hub. Located at the Nevada County Animal Shelter on McCourtney Road, Sammie’s offers both dogs and cats ready for forever homes.

For a more relaxed meet-and-greet, their monthly Nifty Adoption Days at Sammie’s Nifty Thrift in Grass Valley let potential adopters mingle with adoptable pets in a community setting—proof that shopping secondhand can sometimes mean meeting your new best friend.

These programs show what’s possible when local nonprofits, volunteers, and county departments work together. Animal welfare in Nevada County isn’t just about rescuing—it’s about accessibility, prevention, and compassion. From low-cost vet care to food assistance and adoption support, every program plays a role in keeping animals healthy and families whole.

So, whether you have a pet already or are considering adopting, now’s the time to check out these resources. The help is here—you just have to reach out.

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