Friends of PACC Unveils Affordable Veterinary Clinic in Tucson

Friends of PACC, a nonprofit fundraising partner of Pima Animal Care Center, has acquired a former veterinary office located on North 1st Avenue. The organization intends to convert the space into a low-cost animal care clinic aimed at providing essential services to pet owners in need.

Known as the Community Pet Clinic, this new facility will support individuals who have adopted pets from PACC, those receiving government assistance requiring spay and neuter services, and families benefiting from PACC’s Pet Support Center. Torre Chisholm, executive director of Friends of PACC, highlighted that financial assistance will be available for qualifying applicants.

Chisholm pointed to the rising costs associated with veterinary care as a significant factor driving the overpopulation issues faced by PACC. Currently, about 30 percent of the animals surrendered to PACC stem from owners being unable to afford necessary veterinary services. This statistic underscores a pressing need that the clinic aims to address.

After experiencing a surge in animal surrenders, PACC is confronting a capacity crisis. “This initiative represents a crucial step forward to mitigate these issues before they escalate into emergencies at Pima Animal Care Center,” Chisholm stated.

The recently purchased building, previously known as VCA Animal Medical Center of Tucson, was acquired for over $1.2 million. Friends of PACC will own the facility and maintain a leasing agreement with PACC. Since the location has a history as a veterinary office, the aim is to have the clinic operational by the end of this year or early next year, Chisholm noted.

Local veterinarian Erin O’Donnell has been appointed as the medical director, and the clinic is projected to facilitate up to 12,000 appointments annually. “Our goal is to eliminate barriers and ensure that pet owners receive the necessary care to keep their animals in loving homes,” Chisholm concluded.