Caregiver Support Groups

Caregiver Support Groups

The Buffy Fund for Caregiver Support
Helping Pet Parents Heal Together

Caring for a pet with chronic illness or behavioral challenges can take a real toll. Sleepless nights, vet visits, safety worries, financial strain — and the quiet loneliness that comes with loving so deeply. You don’t have to carry it alone.

Our Caregiver Support Groups offer a space to breathe, share, and heal with others who understand what you’re going through. Together, we focus on resilience, empathy, and restoring balance for both you and your pet.

About The Program

The groups were created for people caring for pets with chronic medical issues or with dogs who struggle to feel comfortable or safe around people. These situations can be isolating and overwhelming, and our goal is to make sure no caregiver faces them without support.

Through Diesel’s FootPrint, participants have access to:

Guided Support
A combination of therapist-facilitated groups and peer-led sessions, following best practices for caregiver stress and emotional wellness.

Accessible Design
Zoom meetings and donate-what-you-can enrollment make the program open to all Santa Clara County residents.

Community and Resources
We provide workshops, planning tools, and mental health resources to help caregivers manage stress, make decisions, and find a sustainable path forward.

A boy in a plaid shirt hugs a brown dog in a grassy field.

Program Schedule:

Therapist-Led Group
1st Wednesday of each month, 6:00–7:00 PM PST
3rd Sunday of each month, 5:00–6:00 PM PST

Peer Support Group
2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, 6:00–7:00 PM PST

Program Requirements

To participate, you must:

  • Be 18 or older
  • Be the primary or co-caregiver for a pet dog or cat with a diagnosed chronic condition or human-directed aggression
  • Have reliable phone or internet access for virtual sessions
  • Agree to confidentiality and group guidelines