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New Surgery Suite Debuts at Coachella Valley Animal Shelter

Thu, 30/05/2024 - 05:00

Thousand Palms, CA -  A new surgery suite debuted Wednesday at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms.

Staff veterinarian Dr. Itzel Vizcarra handled the first patients today in the suite, a two-table operation room that will assist the county in increasing its spay and neuter needs for shelter pets. Dr. Vizcarra was assisted by two of her registered veterinary technician colleagues.

Patient No. 1 was a 2-year-old gray tabby named Caroline and Patient No. 2 was a 9-month-old Siamese named Lana. Both cats are available for adoption.

The Coachella Valley Animal Campus opened in 2006 without a surgical suite because of a long-standing partnership with nonprofit organization Animal Samaritans, the region’s leader in spay and neuter surgeries.

After the county shelter opened, Animal Samaritans constructed its new facility next door to the Coachella Valley Animal Campus. The county’s contract with Animal Samaritans remains current. The new suite will now complement the work of Animal Samaritans veterinarians.

“We knew we needed to increase spay and neuter capacity and we appreciate the support from the Board of Supervisors to make that a reality,” Animal Services Director Erin Gettis said. “Everyone knows that pet overpopulation remains a big problem throughout the country. Spay and neuter surgeries are critical to solving this problem.”

Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, whose Fourth District includes the Coachella Valley, called the surgical suite a big step on the pet support front.

“This brand new surgical suite at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus is an important step in our efforts to provide better access to spay and neuter services in the Coachella Valley,” Supervisor Perez said. “The need is high for these services. I’m glad that, along with our new mobile clinic, this surgical center is now in operation and making a difference for our shelter pets.”

Animal Services has established surgical suites at its Jurupa Valley and San Jacinto shelter locations. Plus, the county coordinates mobile outreaches through the offices of county supervisors to assist pet owners in underserved communities. Another mobile unit is expected to arrive in the fall to help boost those dispatches.

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