Friends of PACC to open Community Pet Clinic for adopted animals in Tucson

TUCSON, AZ (September 6, 2024) —  Friends of PACC, the nonprofit fundraising partner of Pima Animal Care Center, purchased a former veterinary office on North 1st Avenue with plans to turn it into a nonprofit, low-cost animal care clinic. The 2661 N 1st Avenue property sold for $1,204,500 ($238 PSF). Built in 1965, the 5,060-square-foot building was formerly a Pet Doctor Clinic that sold fully furnished with fixtures and outdoor dog kennels. 

Torre Chisholm, executive director of the nonprofit, said the Community Pet Clinic will be available to anyone who adopted an animal from PACC, anyone receiving government assistance who needs spay and neuter services for their animals, and families receiving support through PACC’s Pet Support Center. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

“Both the lack of access and the rising cost of veterinary care have been significant factors contributing to the overpopulation problems at PACC,” Chisholm said.

“We see an opportunity to help families who are unable to access or afford care for their beloved companion animals,” said Friends of PACC Board Chair, Clark Bright. “And in doing so, we aim to help combat the ongoing overcrowding challenges at PACC.”

Despite outreach programs already in place at Friends of PACC to help vulnerable families care for animals, Chisholm said 30 percent of animals are surrendered to PACC due to inability to access or afford veterinary care.

PACC Director Monica Dangler has said since July that the organization faces a capacity crisis due to a large influx of surrendered animals.

“This is the next step in our evolution to try to address the problem before they end up as emergency situations at Pima Animal Care Center,” Chisholm said.

Friends of PACC will own the property and have a leasing agreement with PACC. Since the location already operated as a veterinary office, Chisholm said the new clinic should be open by the end of the year or the beginning of next year.

Well-respected local veterinarian and animal welfare advocate Dr. Erin O’Donnell has joined the project as Medical Director, and Gary Zimnoch as the consulting Business Advisor. The center plans to make up to 12,000 appointments available per year.

“Our goal is to do whatever we can with this clinic to reduce those barriers, to make sure that people have access to get care for their pets and keep them with the families that love them,” Chisholm said.

Patrick Loop, a local investor, bought the building in August 2023 and restored it after it was vandalized for its copper while sitting vacant. Dave Hammack and Kameron Norwood with Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR handled the transaction for the seller, and Paula Valencia, with RE/MAX Results, represented the buyer.

For more information, Hammack can be reached at 520.546.2712, Norwood at 520.546.2792, and Valencia at 520.971.7100.

To learn more, see RED Comp #11432.