Those who enjoy sipping wine alongside their canine friends can indulge in both while supporting the community this March with the purchase of a “Pawsport” Napa Valley pass.
Pawsports cost $60 per-person and provide two-for-one tastings and other benefits at 24 dog-friendly wineries and restaurants through the month of March. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help Napa Humane, a nonprofit, cover the costs of wellness exams, vaccines, flea treatment and microchipping of pets.
“There are a lot of philanthropic wineries here in the valley,” said Wendi Piscia, executive director of Napa Humane. “It's a fun thing for people who love dogs, and all pets, to participate in.”
Napa Humane was founded more than 50 years ago by local advocates for better treatment of homeless animals. Since 2002, the organization has focused on programs and services that provide support, education and financial assistance to companion animals and to the people who care for them.
Piscia said the Napa Humane performs between 4,000 and 5,000 surgeries each year. In addition to its spay and neuter clinic, the nonprofit offers animal training and socialization classes and holds quarterly wellness clinics that focus on serving the county’s Spanish-speaking and low-income communities.
“There’s just not a lot of Spanish-speaking veterinary personnel,” Piscia said. “30 percent of Napa’s population speaks Spanish at home. And you're less likely to go to the vet if you're not able to communicate what's going on. We have a lot of Spanish-speaking volunteers.”
After a five-year hiatus, the Pawsport program, which in the past has been one weekend, was brought back last year. This year, Piscia said she hopes the extended, month-long event will attract tourists as well as locals.
“There are a lot of people who love to go to the dog friendly wineries even if they don't have a dog with them.”
For more information about the Pawsport Napa Valley, visit: https://napahumane.org/events/pawsport/
