<!--:es-->Animal Samaritans Opens 
the Valley’s Newest Veterinary Clinic<!--:-->

Animal Samaritans Opens the Valley’s Newest Veterinary Clinic

Animal Samaritans is pleased to announce the opening of its new, state-of-the-art veterinary clinic. Since 1978 this grassroots charity, once funded with bake sales and neighborhood car washes, has blossomed into the Desert’s most comprehensive animal welfare organization. Last year they spayed & neutered more than 8,000 cats and dogs, administered nearly 30,000 vaccinations, 1,500 pet microchips, and provided 900 pet wellness exams. For their new clinic, they have hired six additional employees, including a third full-time veterinarian.
The 7,360 square foot building has been designed to not only meet, but exceed California’s energy saving standards. Fifty strategically placed solar tubes supply natural sunlight and reduce the use of electrical lights; a weather-based irrigation system will ensure that outside plants are watered according to nature’s clock, not ours. As with human hospitals, a robust air purification system will help negate the spread of airborne pathogens, and maintain a healthy working environment. Builders have used only non-toxic paints and adhesives.
Explains Fred Saunders, Executive Director for Animal Samaritans. “Our first obligation is to continue our mission of reducing animal overpopulation, disease and neglect. Saunders, who joined Animal Samaritans six years ago, has a reputation for planning and managing dozens of hospital projects.
Animal Samaritans agrees with other industry leaders that the most effective way to curtail the needless suffering and euthanasia of unwanted animals is through spaying and neutering. In their new clinic, vets will be equipped to spay and neuter 20,000 animals annually, more than double their previous capacity.
At just $72 dollars for cats and $95 – $135, pet owners from every city in the Coachella Valley bring their pets to Animal Samaritans, as do residents from the High Desert, Beaumont to the west and as far east as Blythe. “We offer affordable, quality care,” said Saunders.
Last year Animal Samaritans gave back more than $100,000 to the community in subsidized spay and neuter procedures and free services performed on feral cats. They also acquired and distributed over $22,000 in free vet care to low-income seniors. In addition, Animal Samaritans’ holds fundraisers earmarked for specific needs. Their annual Walk for the Animals, held each year at Palm Desert’s Civic Park, raises funds for their Humane Education program and shelter animals, while proceeds from this year’s 1st annual Men of Pompeii fashion show went to the No-Cost Spay & Neuter program and to fund the new veterinary clinic.
Like any successful non-profit, Animal Samaritans depends on the generosity of its donors. For those interested in naming opportunities at the Valley’s newest quality, affordable vet clinic, “we need your help,” says Saunders. “This clinic will save countless lives. Those giving to the building campaign are actual lifesavers.” Information on the “Every Creature Counts” campaign is available online at www.animalsamaritans.org.
Photos of the ribbon cutting include the Board Members as a group for Animal Samaritans, Executive Director Fred Sanders and a view of the public which attended Monday’s event. Barbara Flanagan center in pink, the organizations founder, was given the honor with the scissors.

Share