At Pawsitive Partners Movement, we believe that true animal welfare extends beyond meeting the basic needs of food, water, and shelter. According to California Penal Code 597, intentional harm, abuse, and neglect that deprive animals of essential care are punishable by law. But, even California’s strict animal cruelty laws focus solely on overt forms of neglect, overlooking actions that can severely impact an animal’s well-being, such as denying proper healthcare and grooming to prevent painful matting.

We envision a Marin County where all forms of neglect, including passive neglect, are recognized and addressed. Our mission is to expand local ordinances to include any form of neglect that leaves the animal improperly cared for.

Further, we recognize there are financial barriers families may face while caring for their pets. In 2024, the PAW Act was introduced in North Carolina's 2nd district by Congresswomen Deborah Ross and Claudia Tenney. This federal bill aims to reduce veterinary costs by allowing the use of Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) to cover up to $1,000 in pet care expenses, including veterinary visits and insurance.

We're pushing to implement the PAW Act as an ordinance in Marin County, aiding low-income families with the costs of pet care so that every pet can get the health attention they deserve. Join us in pushing for more protections and resources to support the health, safety, and happiness of animals in our community.