Volunteer group Wayward Journey says pet pantry, vaccines and fosters cut shelter stays in Grass Valley

Wayward Journey, the volunteer nonprofit partner at the Grass Valley Shelter, reported to the council that its first year of operations has reduced animals’ shelter stays and expanded community services.

“My name is Taylor Davis,” the Wayward Journey founder said, and she told the council volunteers now run a weekly pet pantry that serves roughly 75 pets and a vaccine clinic each Saturday. The organization said it has distributed more than 20,000 pounds of donated pet food (stated value about $40,000), offered about 190 low‑cost vaccinations since last year, and spent nearly $15,000 on lifesaving medical care at local veterinary partners.

Wayward Journey also described a sleepover foster program that takes adoptable animals out of the shelter over closed days to give them a break and to collect better home‑environment information and photos. Organizers said those short fosters have helped animals get adopted more quickly; council was told the average length of stay at the Grass Valley shelter has fallen by 19 percent for cats and 18 percent for dogs since the volunteer partnership began.

The group said it operates entirely with volunteers (about 90 trained volunteers who logged more than 6,500 hours in the past year) and highlighted recent facility improvements made by volunteers and donors, including a new puppy play yard and a volunteer lounge renovation. The presenters invited the public to Wayward Journey’s first‑year anniversary event on April 25 and encouraged residents to volunteer or apply to foster or sleepover animals.

Council members thanked the volunteers and asked logistical questions about how to sign up; Wayward Journey directed interested residents to its website and explained volunteer and foster application processes.