In Silicon Valley, access to veterinary care hasn’t kept pace with the growing need. Rising costs and the stress of living paycheck to paycheck mean that even basic care can feel out of reach. The love people feel for their pets hasn’t changed, but access to affordable treatment hasn’t always kept up.

That’s why Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) is opening our Community Pet Clinic, a space created to bridge that gap. Open two days a week to start—Mondays for cat spay and neuter surgeries and Wednesdays for Essential Care services—the clinic is designed to provide reliable, affordable treatment that keeps pets healthy and families together.

“Every family deserves access to compassionate veterinary care, no matter their income or circumstance,” says Jaime Allen, HSSV’s Vice President of Community Programs. “The Community Pet Clinic allows us to live out that commitment in a more consistent, reliable way for the people who count on us.”

The clinic isn’t just about adding appointments to the calendar. It’s about expanding the safety net—creating a place families can trust, to be there when their pets need care most.

Expanding Access to Veterinary Care

Access to veterinary care has never been equitable. Rising costs, limited availability, and the region’s high cost of living leave families with impossible choices.

HSSV has long stepped in through mobile veterinary clinics, the Pet Pantry, and outreach programs that make basic services more accessible. The Community Pet Clinic takes that commitment further by providing a reliable, in-house space where more families can access affordable care when they need it.

“Our Community Pet Clinic is designed for families who want the very best for their pets but may be struggling financially,” Jaime explains. “This clinic means they won’t have to delay preventive care or go without treatment. It helps keep pets healthy, and it helps keep families together.”

What the Clinic Offers

The Community Pet Clinic isn’t meant to replace full-service hospitals. Instead, it focuses on services with the biggest impact for pets and their people:

• Cat spay and neuter surgeries to reduce overpopulation and prevent health risks.
• Essential Care services to help with common illnesses for dogs and cats.

By focusing on preventive and essential services, the clinic helps ensure small issues don’t become crises, and that families don’t face the heartbreaking choice of surrendering a pet they love.

“This is about meeting people where they are,” Jaime says. “If we can help prevent illness, treat minor problems before they become emergencies, and provide spay/neuter access where it’s hardest to find, then we’re making a meaningful difference.”

Why This Matters for Families

Daniel came to HSSV carrying both worry and hope. His dog Toro, his loyal companion, had developed a painful abscess on his jaw from a foxtail infection. With limited resources, Daniel couldn’t afford a traditional vet visit, but he wasn’t ready to give up.

“Toro’s my best friend. He’s been with me through everything,” Daniel shared. “At first, I thought it might heal on its own, but it just kept getting bigger. I was scared it was serious, but going to a regular vet just wasn’t something I could afford.”

After calling around, he found HSSV. Our team listened to his concerns and connected him with Essential Care Services, where Toro was examined and given antibiotics to manage the infection. Daniel left with not only a treatment plan but also the reassurance that he wasn’t alone.

“I don’t know what I would’ve done without HSSV,” Daniel said. “They didn’t just help Toro. They saw how much he meant to me. They gave him care, and they gave me hope.”

This is why the Community Pet Clinic matters. It’s designed for families like Daniel’s, for anyone who needs compassionate, affordable veterinary care to keep their pets healthy and at home.

>> Read Toro’s full story here.

Looking Ahead: A Stronger Future

The Community Pet Clinic opens as HSSV continues to rebuild services lost after last year’s fire. But this clinic isn’t just about recovery, it’s about growth.

“Even in the face of disruption, we’ve continued to move forward with our mission,” Jaime says. “The Community Pet Clinic is about looking forward—building systems of care that are more accessible, more compassionate, and more sustainable for our community.”

With the launch of the Community Pet Clinic, we’re reaffirming what has always been at the heart of our mission: to honor the bond between people and pets. By expanding access to care, we’re ensuring more families—regardless of income or circumstance—can keep their companions healthy, safe, and home where they belong.

If your pet needs care, we’re here to help. Visit our Veterinary Services page for details on the Community Pet Clinic’s schedule, services, and appointment process, as well as other resources available through HSSV.