Becoming a TLC for Pets Caretaker

Caretaker homes will be found through others enrolled in the TLC for Pets Program, and through School of Veterinary Medicine faculty, staff, students, and special individuals and families that have a strong partnership with the school. These friends recognize the need to care for animals that have lost their owners, knowing that their own pets may one day benefit from the love they provide now to pets left behind.

If you are interested in becoming a caretaker for the TLC for Pets Program, please contact us for additional information (see our Contact Us page). We will call you to arrange a time to gather background information, and before you are matched with a pet, we will make a visit to your home to assess what species, size, and number of pet(s) would work best for you. Once a pet is assigned to you, you will complete a simple "Adoption Agreement" which spells out expectations and obligations you undertake as a pet caretaker.

Caretaker homes will provide routine maintenance for their TLC for Pets Program adopted pets, including food, grooming, pet toys and snacks, and training or recreational activities. Caretakers will bring their TLC for Pets Program adoptees to the Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (PVMTH) at UC Davis for annual examinations and/or vaccinations, as recommended by the PVMTH clinical staff. For aging or ill pets, more frequent visits may be required. No charge will be made to the caretaker home for necessary veterinary care provided at the PVMTH.

It is our intent to screen caretaker homes for stability, with a minimal chance of relocation; but home situations do change. In most instances, it will be in the best interest of the pet to remain in the caretaker home where a new bond has been established, even if that means relocation outside the PVMTH service area. If the caretaker moves away from the PVMTH regional service area, the caretaker accepts responsibility for providing veterinary medical care. However, if a critical care case arises, they may choose to return to the PVMTH for veterinary services or to receive consultation from PVMTH specialists.