Free Spay, Neutering Clinic Offered In Coachella Valley

THERMAL, CA — The Riverside County Department of Animal Services will offer free spray and neuter procedures for Mecca and Thermal residents via mobile clinics Friday and Saturday, according to a news release shared by District 4 Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. The effort is part of an initiative, sponsored by Perez, to reduce overcrowding at animal shelters.

The procedures will be offered at the Mecca Sports Park, located at 61403 66th Ave., on Friday and will conclude Saturday at the Jerry Rummonds Community Center in Thermal, at 87-229 Church St.

Appointments are available in advance, by calling 951-358-7387 or scheduling online.

The two-day event will also offer vaccines and microchips for up to 60 dogs and cats, which will be free to residents of Mecca and Thermal. Residents will need to provide proof of residency.

A few restrictions apply for the no-cost mobile clinics. No animals over 20 pounds, no "flat- faced breeds, such as pugs or French bulldogs." Cats must be in carriers, and dogs must be on a leash. Feral cats will not be accepted for this clinic.

Finally, there is a limit of two appointments per household.

The mobile clinics are funded through the Fourth District Unincorporated Communities Initiative, allocated by Perez.

"It is critical that we turn around the situation of overcrowding, a situation that all animal shelters are facing," Perez said. "That's why we have invested in bringing these services to our unincorporated communities and to help our pet owners be able to spray and neuter their pets. And more clinics will be coming soon to a community near you!"