Helping Paws Program

Since 2022, Central Vermont Council on Aging has partnered with The Mitzvah Fund, Inc. to provide veterinary services to older adults and their animal companions, free of charge, throughout the region.

This program was made possible through grant funding from Meals on Wheels America, specifically designated to alleviate social isolation and loneliness for older adults by "ensuring that seniors and their animal companions can live nourished, healthy lives together." 

Meals on Wheels America stated, "Through our research, we also learned that half of pet owners were unable to obtain needed veterinary care in the past two years. The barriers to access these services were found to be significant, as we also learned that 92% of the clients who were unable to obtain care could not get it due to financial reasons and 45% could not obtain care due to lack of transportation."

In 2024, CVCOA expanded this program to include pet food deliveries with Meals on Wheels deliveries. To date, we have distributed 264 pounds of cat and dog food. 

The Grey Muzzle Organization supported this program through a grant to support the care and feeding of senior dogs. 

By making a donation to our Helping Paws program, you can support the wellness of older adults by providing support for their animal companions.