The Antelope Valley sits on the edge of the Mojave Desert in northern Los Angeles County and is experiencing the highest shelter euthanasia rates in Los Angeles County, and also in most of Southern California. Its vast rural landscape has become home to a large population of abandoned dogs and cats, overwhelming two already overburdened shelters and rescue groups. Severe overcrowding forces shelters to operate under heartbreaking conditions, underscoring the urgent need for community support, and most critically, for a widespread, affordable spay and neuter program.

From the beginning, we knew the Antelope Valley crisis would be among the most difficult to address. Without a permanent high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter (HQHVSN) clinic in place, the Caravita Foundation adapted by opening our second application-based program for families and building partnerships with local veterinary offices to provide sterilization services. We also expanded capacity by collaborating with the Simi Valley HQHVSN mobile clinic and hosting mobile clinics with Dr. Vasquez, ensuring more pets could receive the care they desperately needed.

But stopgap measures are not enough. What this community truly needs is a sustainable, brick-and-mortar HQHVSN clinic: a facility capable of serving thousands of animals every year. That vision is now taking shape. In partnership with Community Effort Animal Rescue and with the City of Palmdale committing its support, we are working together to open a clinic that will transform animal welfare in the region. Once operational, it will serve more than 8,000 animals annually, breaking the cycle of overpopulation and easing the crushing burden on local shelters.

The Antelope Valley deserves this solution and with collaboration, persistence, and compassion, we are making it happen.