Animal Samaritans is continuing its vital mission to reduce pet overpopulation in the Coachella Valley by expanding its Free Spay and Neuter Program to residents of unincorporated communities this August. This initiative, now in its third month, is supported by a $100,000 allocation from Animal Samaritans Veterinary Clinic in Thousand Palms, aiming to improve pet health and reduce euthanasia rates in local shelters.
The program successfully launched in June, assisting Cathedral City residents, and in July, all available vouchers for Desert Hot Springs were quickly claimed by pet owners. Now, the focus shifts to areas including Bermuda Dunes, Desert Edge, Indio Hills, Mecca, North Palm Springs, North Shore, Oasis, Sky Valley, Thermal, and Thousand Palms.
“Every pet we spay or neuter means fewer unwanted litters and fewer animals entering overcrowded shelters,” said Tom Snyder, CEO of Animal Samaritans. “This program directly supports families who otherwise might not be able to afford these vital surgeries”.
August Program Details:
- Who Qualifies: Residents of unincorporated cities in the Coachella Valley. Proof of residency and valid ID are required.
- What’s Included: Free spay or neuter surgery, post-surgical pain medication, and a pet e-collar.
- How to Participate: Vouchers are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- For Mecca, North Shore, Oasis, and Thermal, vouchers are available at the Family Resource Center (91-275 66th Ave, Suite 600, Mecca) Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm.
- For Bermuda Dunes, Sky Valley, and Thousand Palms, vouchers can be picked up at the Animal Samaritans Admin Office (72120 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms) Monday-Friday, 8 am-4 pm.
- Where Surgeries are Performed: All surgeries will be conducted at Animal Samaritans Veterinary Clinic in Thousand Palms.
Spaying and neutering are crucial for preventing unwanted litters, reducing stray animal populations, lowering the risk of certain cancers, and improving pet behavior by decreasing roaming and aggression.
Animal Samaritans, founded in 1978 as the valley’s first nonprofit spay and neuter clinic, now offers full-service veterinary care at two locations in Indio and Thousand Palms, including urgent care, oncology, cardiology, and internal medicine. The organization also runs a No Kill shelter in Thousand Palms and has been voted Best Veterinary Clinic in the Desert for two consecutive years.
This program is an ongoing effort, with Animal Samaritans planning to focus on a different Coachella Valley city or area each month. Pet owners are encouraged to follow Animal Samaritans on social media or visit www.animalsamaritans.org for updates on future initiatives.