MISSION: Provides financial assistance to animal owners in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties whose animals are facing a catastrophic or life-threatening event and whose guardians are unable to cover some or all of the cost of their pet’s medical care. Guardians must qualify to receive assistance. Birchbark also partners with Papillion Center for Loss & Transition to offer free pet loss and grief support to residents of the Central Coast who have lost a beloved animal companion. All sessions are facilitated by professionals with expertise in grief.