New Animal Samaritans Clinic Expected to Open in East Valley

A brand new Animal Samaritans clinic is expected to open in the east valley at the beginning of next year. Not only is that end of the valley in need of such a clinic, but it will also help create several jobs.

Bernice Arends visits the Animal Samaritans clinic in Thousand Palms each month.

“Well, because have four dogs… for shots or if they get sick or … she has to get her blood tested, so she has to get tested once a month,” Arends said.

Arends drives from La Quinta and it takes her about 20 minutes, but she says its worth it thanks to the affordable service provided at the clinic.

“Everybody is so good to you they just make you feel so good,” Arends said.

The trip to Animal Samaritans for Bernice and other dog owners in the east valley will soon get shorter. They plan to open a new clinic at the Indio town center on Jackson Street… near the home depot.

“That’ll be much nicer going to Indio, right next door,” Arends said.

“Driving all the way to Thousand Palms from Mecca, Oasis, or Indio is quite a haul, so this is going to be much more convenient for pet owners,” said Animal Samaritans CEO Fred Saunders.

He says almost a quarter of their business comes from the east end of the Coachella Valley.

“Right now the east valley doesn’t have a clinic as what we’re planning, so it’ll service a lot of people,” he said.

While not as large as the clinic in Thousand Palms, the Animal Samaritans clinic in Indio will provide pet health exams, vaccinations, and micro-chipping among other services.
Saunders says Animal Samaritans takes care of more than 136,000 pets on record. This year alone, its treated 16,000 new, four-legged patients.

“A second clinic is certainly warranted especially one that offers affordable services, so its needed,” He said.

With the opening of the new facility, 12 new jobs will be added, including veterinarians, vet techs, and other personnel.

“We’ll start our search on that.. next month we’ll intensify the search. In fact, the search for a veterinarian is going on right now,” Saunders said.

For more information on how to apply, call Animal Samaritans at (760) 601-3756 or visit their website at www.animalsamaritans.com