Healthy Pets, Happy Owners: Celebrating Pet Wellness Month

October is National Pet Wellness Month, a wonderful reminder that healthy pets make happier lives. At Plymouth Helping Hands for Animals, wellness is about more than annual check-ups — it’s about nutrition, preventive care, and community support. This month, we’re helping local pets and their owners thrive with food pantries, affordable veterinary services, and support programs.

October Calendar of Care

Here’s what’s happening in October — resources to keep pets healthy and owners supported.

Pet Food Pantries

Proper nutrition is the foundation of wellness. Our pantries provide healthy food to pets in need, helping owners care for their pets even during challenging times.

 American Legion Post 40

Mondays, Oct. 7, 14, 21 & 28 from 11:00 am–1:00 pm
199 Federal Furnace Road, Plymouth

 Plymouth Center for Active Living

Fridays, Oct. 3, 17 & 31 from 11:00 am–12:00 pm
44 Nook Road, Plymouth

Plymouth Family Resource Center

Friday, Oct. 10 from 10:00 am–1:00 pm
430 Court Street, North Plymouth

Preventive Care – Affordable Clinics

Regular check-ups, vaccines, and essential care keep pets healthy. Affordable PetVet & VIP PetCare clinics, run by licensed veterinarians and veterinary professionals, travel to local stores to make preventive care more accessible and affordable for pet owners.

Tractor Supply Co., Oct. 5 from 9:30–11:00 am 

3017 Cranberry Highway, East Wareham

 Pet Supplies Plus, Oct. 5 from 1:00–2:30 pm

133 Samoset St., Plymouth 

Tractor Supply Co., Oct. 18 from 1:00–2:30 pm

406 Main Street, Plympton 

For more information, please visit the link below.

Community Support – Pet Loss & Owner Wellness

Wellness also includes emotional support for owners. These programs help owners navigate their loss and care for their own well-being during a difficult time. 

Pet Loss Support Group at VCA South Shore Animal Hospital

Oct. 14 from 7:00–8:00 pm

Hosted by Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Jen 

595 Columbian St., South Weymouth

Making Wellness Possible

Here are just a few examples of how your support has helped pets and their owners receive the wellness care they needed last month.

Turbo's Story

Turbo is a sweet 13-year-old cat who has been by his owner’s side since he was a kitten. Recently, he faced several concerning health issues — including hyperthyroidism and elevated pancreatic enzymes that left vets considering pancreatitis, a mass, or even lymphoma.

His mom lives alone and is on Social Security Disability Income and rental assistance, with a very limited fixed income. She had already been paying out of pocket for months of vet bills and, while she was approved for Care Credit, much of it was quickly used during Turbo’s visit to MSPCA Angell in Boston. With his ultrasound estimated at $400–$500 — and the possibility of needing an even more expensive heart scan if answers weren’t found — the financial burden felt overwhelming.

 Thanks to your support, we were able to contribute $400 toward Turbo’s ultrasound. The procedure ended up costing closer to $800, but every bit of help gave Turbo’s mom hope and allowed him to take the next step toward diagnosis and treatment.

"I have had Turbo since he was a baby, and after many losses and hardships we are very attached to each other. I am not prepared to lose my best friend yet, he has been there for me in my darkest days." – Turbo’s Mom

Costner's Story

Not all of our pet stories have a happy ending, but we always help when we can — even when that help means providing a beloved pet with a peaceful transition. Costner, a gentle 11-year-old Mastiff mix, had been through months of vet visits and expensive diagnostics as his family searched desperately for answers. Sadly, despite their best efforts and thousands of dollars spent, his illness could not be cured.

As his condition worsened, the most compassionate choice was euthanasia. With funds depleted, his dad reached out to us for help. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to cover the cost of Costner’s final journey across the Rainbow Bridge, ensuring he passed with dignity and surrounded by love.

Healthy Pets, Happy Owners, Thanks to You

October reminds us of the importance of wellness — for pets and their owners alike. By providing nutritious food, access to preventive care, and emotional support, we help pets stay healthy and owners feel supported. Every donation and act of kindness ensures local pets can thrive and their owners never face these challenges alone.

 Thank you for being part of our community! Want to help more pets like Turbo and Costner? Donate today and make a real difference in the lives of pets and their owners.