Humane Society of Imperial County secures $636,000 for mobile veterinary unit

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) — Animal welfare in the Imperial Valley is getting a major financial boost.

The Imperial County Board of Supervisors has approved a $636,000 grant aimed at revolutionizing local animal care and tackling the region's stray crisis.

The funding will allow the Humane Society of Imperial County to purchase and operate a fully equipped mobile spay and neuter clinic. The new mobile unit will bring critical veterinary services directly to underserved communities, with monthly rotations planned for areas like Salton City, Niland, and Winterhaven.

Local organizers say the initiative addresses three critical issues: a severe shortage of regional veterinary care, growing stray populations, and severely overcrowded animal shelters.

Humane Society of Imperial County Executive Director Devon Apodaca expressed high hopes for the impact of the new unit.

“This is the perfect opportunity for us to start eliminating all of that," Apodaca said. "Have something of our own. Being able to bring something more concrete. It’s gonna change everything.”

To ensure a smooth rollout, the Humane Society is partnering with the Animal Action League to provide specialized staff training.

Officials expect the mobile clinic to be fully operational and on the road by this time next year.