It’s been five years since the ASPCA opened our Community Veterinary Clinic in the Bronx, and for pet owners in the neighborhood, the clinic is a cherished resource.

“It’s my go-to place,” says Sonja M., whose 13-year-old Shih Tzu, Lilo, is a regular client.

The Bronx clinic opened in March 2020, and provides basic veterinary services for cats and dogs, such as physical examinations, vaccines, in-house diagnostics and medications free of charge for eligible clients, giving the community a much-needed option for veterinary resources. Since then, the clinic has provided care for 63,618 animals — 26,575 dogs and 37,043 cats — in the form of 31,485 pet care visits and 32,133 spay and neuter surgeries for owned animals and rescue groups.

“We’ve been coming since they opened,” says Sonja, a longtime resident of the area. “It’s so great to have this clinic.”

Over the years, Lilo has received vaccinations and allergy medication. He was also neutered and microchipped at the clinic.

“The ASPCA realized that many pet resources were out of reach for the South Bronx community, making it difficult for families to provide essential care for their pets,” says Dr. Lori Bierbrier, senior medical director for ASPCA Community Medicine, Eastern Region, who also oversees ASPCA clinics in Brooklyn and Queens as well as Miami, Fla. “One of our priorities is keeping people and pets together by providing accessible veterinary care and resources.”

Reducing Barriers to Vet Care

A lack of access to veterinary care is increasingly noted as a concern by pet owners and animal welfare professionals. A 2018 survey by the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition found that 28% of pet owners had experienced a barrier to care in the past two years, and 23% were unable to provide preventive care for at least one of their pets. In addition, Pets for Life data reveals that approximately 17 million pets in underserved communities have never seen a veterinarian.

With improved access to vet care, owned dogs and cats receive care that improves their welfare, decreases suffering, and is compassionate, respectful, and considerate of pets and family circumstances.

Even before the Bronx clinic opened, Sonja sought basic veterinary services for Lilo at ASPCA mobile clinics. Living in the building next door to the clinic when it opened was like a dream come true.

“It was so easy for me,” she says. “It’s a great fit for the neighborhood.”

Most recently, Lilo was seen for skin allergies and an eye condition.

“He was sneezing and licking his paws, so our veterinarians prescribed medication to ease his symptoms,” says Desire Marulanda, the clinic’s interim senior manager of operations. “Sonja told us that without our clinic, keeping Lilo would be impossible because of her financial constraints. She’s very diligent about keeping up with his medical needs.”

“A Real Benefit to the Community”

Sonja, a former teacher, and her husband Tomas, an Uber driver, love animals.

“My older brother was a veterinarian in the Dominican Republic,” Sonja says. “We grew up with dogs. And I always wanted our son and daughter to have pets. Lilo is like a person to me; he’s my constant companion.”

Left, Sonja with Toby and Lilo, and right, Lilo outside the Bronx clinic.

The family also has a 10-month-old cat named Toby whom Sonja brought to the Bronx clinic recently for vaccines.

“They do a great job and are so helpful,” says Sonja. “It’s such a good place for animals. And with the ASPCA’s help, it’s easier for me and other people to have and care for our pets. The clinic is a real benefit to the community.”