| POPCO's mission statement: We serve the citizens and animals of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties through referrals to “affordable” spay/neuter resources to humanely and responsibly reduce pet overpopulation. We serve as advisors to community leaders seeking improved spay/neuter availability. |
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| POPCO's primary service: Volunteers return phone calls and e-mails from pet owners to match pet spay/neuter needs with financial resources based on pet owner’s home address, income, senior status, and sometimes - breed of dog. Volunteers complete and transmit voucher orders to appropriate agencies. |
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Volunteers -complete a training program and trial period, work regular weekly shifts (4-hour minimum) and most work from home. Eligible volunteer candidates must follow POPCO's mission, code of conduct, the Guiding Principles of the Asilomar Accords (adopted by POPCO) and performance standards for dependability, confidentiality, accuracy, and excellent written and spoken communications.
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Milestones -
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January, 1998 – POPCO organized as an association of animal welfare agencies and individuals to more effectively reduce pet overpopulation
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September, 1999 - initiated toll-free spay/neuter helpline service throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
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March 8, 2000 - incorporated as a California Non-profit Public Benefit Corporation
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Fall, 2001 - began supporting San Bernardino County Animal Care & Control spay/neuter voucher program ($150,000 per fiscal year; refunded annually; vouchers pay $50 toward dog spay/neuter, $25 for cat; as of 2019, allow vouchers for 6 personal pets per residence; excludes feral cats)
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April, 2002 - began supporting City of Fontana voucher program ($50,000/fy; refunded annually, $50 for dog, $25 for cat, allowable number of vouchers corresponds to City ordinance for allowable pets per household; excludes feral cats); program ended; now recommend other resources
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Summer, 2003 - began supporting City of Yucaipa spay/neuter voucher program (modest fund; refunded annually, POPCO refers callers to Yucaipa Animal Placement Society YAPS for City voucher; recommend other resources when voucher funding runs out)
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February, 2004 - began supporting City of Rancho Cucamonga spay/neuter voucher program; now refer callers to RC’s Animal Care & Adoption Center
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June, 2004 - began supporting City of San Bernardino voucher program ($10,000/fy; refunded annually; $50 for dog, $25 for cat; 1 voucher per household, POPCO referred to City Animal Shelter); program ended; now recommend other resources
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2005 - began supporting City of Apple Valley and City of Victorville by referring residents to respective City animal control agencies for spay/neuter financial assistance.
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May, 2006 - began supporting County of Riverside Department of Animal Services spay/neuter voucher program ($150,000/fy $50 for dog, $25 for cat; allow 3 vouchers per order, may repeat) … for personal pets and ferals of dedicated caregiver; program ended; now provide other resources
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May, 2007 - began support for City of Hesperia by referring City residents to animal control for spay/neuter financial assistance; program ended, now provide other resources
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August, 2008 – awarded $10,000 from PetSmart Charities grant funding to underwrite POPCO toll-free helpline and website development (www.popco-inc.org)
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September, 2008 - began support for City of Upland spay/neuter voucher program by referring residents to Upland animal shelter for vouchers.
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2009 – began supporting City of Highland and City of Colton spay/neuter voucher programs by referring residents to City representatives. City of Highland program ended; now provide other resources.
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Nov 2008 – POPCO celebrated 10 years of service by recognizing Riverside & San Bernardino Counties’ Humane Heroes (organizations and individuals) for their “outstanding contribution to the humane reduction of pet overpopulation.” Awards were given to Community Veterinarians, Spay/Neuter Providers, Rescue & Re-Homing Agencies, Humane Educators, Pet Surrender Avoidance Programs, and to individuals for Leadership and Service including to POPCO’s helpline volunteers.
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Feb - Jun 2002 - POPCO mailed 66,000 notices to Cal Works families in both Counties to advertise the California Veterinary Medical Association + Maddie's Fund partnership to alter dogs and cats belonging to low-income caregivers. POPCO's helpline volunteers returned calls to pet owners advising of nearby participating vets and what the pet owner’s co-pay and proof of eligibility were. POPCO advertised the program through printed information posted in Cal Works' offices.
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Aug 2004 - POPCO coordinated a 5-day HSUS (Humane Society of United States) RAVS (Rural Area Veterinary Service) mobile vet hospital spay/neuter event at two local Native American reservations; 201 dogs and cats were altered and received complete medical evaluation and care per RAVS' excellent standards.
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Jan 2005 - Dec 2007 – POPCO coordinated and distributed veterinary medical funds for eligible indigent seniors residing in Southwest Riverside County. Funds were made available through the Albert and Anna Herdina Memorial Fund administered by The Community Foundation Serving Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
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Aug 2005 – initiated a publicity campaign for Homeless Animals' Awareness Day, "It Matters to Me", with symbol of green ribbon to represent sustainable pet population.
Aug 2007 - sponsored publicity event for Homeless Animals' Awareness Day celebrating 24 animal welfare agencies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties who, in 2006, LIVE RELEASED a total of 47,176 dogs and cats.
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2009-2020 – POPCO volunteers assisted 144,347 pet owner/guardians seeking “affordable” spay/neuter for their pets.
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| Website updated 6/24/2024 |
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