INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – For pet owners in the Tahoe Basin facing impossible choices between unaffordable veterinary care and losing their companions, the Village Pet Foundation (VPF) has emerged as a beacon of hope. Founded in July 2023 by a dedicated group of animal welfare volunteers, this nonprofit is rewriting the narrative for families in financial distress, saving pets from euthanasia and giving them a second chance at life.

“Usually when I talk to people, they’re at their wits’ end. Their pets are dying. They can’t afford it. They’re just looking for help,” Pat Abbey, Founder and Chairperson of VPF, said.

In just 18 months, the organization has saved 78 pets, far surpassing its initial goal of aiding 25 animals per year. These rescues include cases like Oso, a nine-year-old Labrador mix rescued from a suspected dog fighting ring. Oso’s life took a turn for the better when VPF funded her emergency care, ensuring her safety and recovery.

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Operating throughout the Tahoe Basin, including Truckee, the East and West Shores, South Lake Tahoe, and extending to areas like Carson and Fernley, the foundation’s impact is built on partnerships with six local veterinary clinics. By directly paying clinics for services—averaging $2,000 per case—VPF streamlines care for pets in critical condition. Funding comes primarily from a local thrift store, alongside grants, private donations, and community fundraisers.

The inspiration for VPF came from a stark reality: the dire lack of affordable pet healthcare. A veterinary technician, now working with a partner clinic in Incline Village, shared her experience from a Bay Area hospital with Abbey, where 59 pets were euthanized in a single month because their owners couldn’t afford treatment. 

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The organization’s cases are often life-or-death situations—95% of the pets they’ve helped would have faced euthanasia without intervention. Despite the emotional toll of these cases, the foundation’s team remains focused solely on the welfare of the animals.

“We’ve made a promise to never turn away a pet in need,” Abbey said.

VPF’s rapid growth reflects the overwhelming demand for its services. Originally envisioned as a small-scale operation, the foundation has quickly expanded its reach, with calls for assistance now coming from Arizona. The nonprofit recently opened a second thrift store specializing in furniture and plans to launch a dog grooming facility to bolster its financial base. Immediate priorities include acquiring a van for furniture pickups and enhancing outreach to connect with underserved communities.

Operating entirely with volunteers, the organization’s charter prohibits paid staff, ensuring funds are directed to pet care. However, this commitment presents challenges in managing growth, professionalizing operations, and improving marketing to attract corporate sponsorships.

Looking ahead, VPF aims to extend its reach, particularly in underserved areas like southern Nevada, and secure additional funding to meet the surging demand for services. 

For Abbey and her team, the reward is in the results—watching pets once at death’s door recover and return to their families.

Visit Village Pet Foundation at 930 Tahoe Blvd #802-282, Incline Village, Nev.

Zoe Meyer is a reporter for the Sierra Sun, a sister publication for Tahoe Daily Tribune. She can be reached at zmeyer@sierrasun.com.