Donate

Donate Money

Donating to the Spirit Medical Fund helps injured and sick animals get medical care to regain their health. Thanks to your gift, they can be adopted into new loving, forever homes.

Donate Online

You may also donate by check made payable to the Department of Animal Services and mailed to:

Department of Animal Services
5821 Sweetwater Rd. Bonita, CA 91902

Please write “Donation for Spirit Fund” in the memo field of the check.

All donations to the Department of Animal Services are tax deductible.
Our tax identification number is 95-6000934.

Donate to Wish List

You can also donate through our Amazon Wish List which includes enrichment items needed for the animals in our care. If you would like to donate an item, check out:

Visit our Amazon.com Wish List

About the Spirit Veterinary Medical Fund

The Spirit Veterinary Medical Fund was created in July, 2008, after a 10-week-old puppy was savagely beaten near our border with Mexico. The beating was seen on a Border Patrol surveillance camera several miles away. Border Patrol officers went to the site, rescued the battered puppy and called for a Department of Animal Services officer.

The little puppy came in with many broken bones and veterinarians could tell this wasn’t her first beating. She needed extensive medical assistance. The man who beat her could break her bones, but he couldn't break her spirit.

Despite her brutal injuries, this little dog sought out the attention and love of everyone at the shelter. She was given the name, Spirit.

When news of the savage beating was broadcast, donations poured in from around the country. Soon there was enough money to help other animals too.

Wounded puppy being held by caring staff member

At County Animal Services, we established a permanent fund so more animals in need of expensive treatment could be helped. Many animals have since found a new life in our shelters including a puppy found in a dumpster with his ears cut off and an expensive pup that was turned over to us because the owner couldn’t afford the medical treatment for a broken leg.

Spirit, along with many other animals, recovered from her injuries and now lives happily with her new family.