Dr Jean's Senior Friends
Dr. Jean's Senior Friends is a Santa Cruz SPCA program that helps seniors aged 62 and older adopt senior pets and access affordable veterinary care. Qualified adopters pay no adoption fee when matched with a dog or cat aged six or older. The program also provides veterinary care assistance for senior pet owners living on a low or fixed income, including twice-yearly Wellness Day clinics and diagnostic and treatment grants of up to $1,000. Whether you're looking for a new companion or need help keeping your current pet healthy, Dr. Jean's Senior Friends is here to support you.
Dr. Jean's Senior Friends was established by UCSC professor and lifelong animal lover Dr. Jean Langenheim in honor of her cat Blackie. Jean understood that senior animals and senior people have a lifelong supply of love to share, and she believed connecting them could change lives on both sides. Her generosity made this program possible, and it continues to help hundreds of seniors and their pets across Santa Cruz County every year.
Senior Pet Adoption
Adoption fees waived for qualified seniors matched with a dog or cat aged six or older. Includes vaccinations, spay/neuter, microchip, and a free vet exam.
Veterinary Care Assistance
Twice-yearly Wellness Day clinics and grants of up to $1,000 for diagnostics and treatment for senior pet owners on a fixed income.
Adopt a Senior Pet with No Adoption Fee
Dr. Jean's Senior Friends encourages senior-to-senior matches by waiving the adoption fee when a qualified adopter is paired with a dog or cat aged six or older. Every adoption includes the first set of vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, a microchip, a free veterinary exam, and educational materials.
To qualify, you must:
- Be 62 years of age or older
- Live on a fixed or low income
- Reside in Santa Cruz County
- Submit an approved adoption application
To learn more or apply, email adoptions@spcasc.org or call 831-465-5000.
Why a Senior Pet May Be the Perfect Match
- Animal companionship can lower blood pressure, reduce social isolation, ease the grieving process, and provide a sense of security as we age.
- Caring for a pet keeps you active. Walking, grooming, and even petting can strengthen the heart and improve circulation.
- Senior pets are typically calmer, easier to train, and need less rigorous exercise than puppies or kittens.
- Senior animals are often the last to be adopted. Bringing one home doesn't just enrich your life, it often saves theirs.
Veterinary Care Assistance for Seniors
Wellness Day Clinics
Twice a year, Dr. Jean's Senior Friends hosts free preventative care clinics for qualifying senior pet owners. Wellness Days cover annual vaccinations, parasite management, nail trimming, ear cleaning, microchipping, and a basic health exam. To be notified about upcoming clinics and available appointments, email programs@spcasc.org to join our Dr. Jean's e-news list.
Veterinary Care Grants (Up to $1,000)
For seniors facing more significant health challenges with their pets, Dr. Jean's Senior Friends provides grants of up to $1,000 to help cover the cost of diagnostics and treatment. This funding covers non-dental veterinary care and is available year-round. All appointments are made through SPCA-contracted veterinarians who offer discounted pricing, so your grant goes further.
To qualify for veterinary care assistance, you must:
- Be 62 years of age or older
- Live on a fixed or low income
- Provide proof of income
- Sign a contractual agreement
To apply for a veterinary care assistance grant, fill out the application or contact us at programs@spcasc.org or 831-465-5000.
Apply for Vet Care AssistanceFrequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for Dr. Jean's Senior Friends?
For senior pet adoption, email adoptions@spcasc.org or call 831-465-5000. For veterinary care assistance, submit the online application. To join a Wellness Day clinic, email programs@spcasc.org to be added to our notification list.
How long does it take to hear back after applying for vet care assistance?
You should typically hear back within 48 hours. Due to limited funding, not every application can be approved. Decisions are based on the severity of the pet's condition and the likelihood of a positive outcome.
What kind of veterinary care does the program cover?
Veterinary care grants cover diagnostics and treatment for injury or illness but do not cover dental procedures or routine preventative care. Wellness Day clinics cover preventative care including vaccinations, flea treatment, deworming, nail trimming, anal gland care, and microchipping.
Can I choose my own vet?
Dr. Jean's Senior Friends clients work with veterinarians contracted by the Santa Cruz SPCA. These vets offer discounted pricing so your $1,000 grant goes further. All appointments are scheduled by SPCA staff, and we work with you to find times that fit your schedule.
What if treatment costs more than $1,000?
Our partner veterinarians work to keep costs low, but if treatment exceeds $1,000, the remaining balance is the applicant's responsibility. You will know the estimated cost before deciding to proceed, and any balance must be paid before picking up your pet.
Support Dr. Jean's Senior Friends
Your donation helps waive adoption fees for seniors adopting senior pets and provides veterinary care assistance to senior pet owners who need it most. Every gift directly supports the bond between seniors and their companion animals in Santa Cruz County.
Donate Now2601 Chanticleer Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(P) 831-465-5000 (F) 831-479-8530
Monday - CLOSED
Animal Browsing Tuesday to Sunday 11am - 5pm
PET FOOD PANTRY - Sundays 1:00pm - 3:00pm
The Santa Cruz SPCA is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of animals. We receive no government funding, and depend solely on financial support from our friends. Our organization is not affiliated with any other SPCA or Humane Society.
Tax ID: 94-6171565
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