On April 24, 2026, Cornerstone Animal Center opened its doors in Visalia, CA, marking an important step forward in the San Francisco SPCA’s work to expand access to veterinary care in California.
The clinic focuses on high-impact preventative services (spay/neuter, vaccinations, and basic wellness care) designed to make it easier for local pet guardians to access care. For many pet guardians in this region, these services have been out of reach. One client recently shared:
“I wanted to personally thank you and your team for the opportunity to get my Lola Bear surgery at a lower cost. It seemed like we were never going to be able to do it with how expensive the world is now. The staff was amazing and so informative. We felt like she was the only dog they were caring for. Thank you again for having this program.”
This experience reflects a broader reality across Tulare County, where access to veterinary care is limited and often unaffordable. Cornerstone was built to change that by providing consistent, local care that pet families need.
Addressing a critical gap in care
For many pet guardians in Tulare County, veterinary services are difficult to access due to cost, distance, and limited availability. Even when appointments are available, the cost of a spay/neuter procedure can be out of reach for many households. Here are some additional factors impacting this area:
- Tulare County has an Access to Care score of just 13 out of 100
- California shelters face a 20.1% veterinarian vacancy rate
- Zero rural or small-town shelters in the state have adequate veterinary staffing
- Many families wait months for appointments or travel 100+ miles for affordable services
These barriers have direct consequences for animal welfare. When basic care is inaccessible, more animals enter shelters, often in poor health or as part of unplanned litters. Local shelters and rescue organizations are already operating at or beyond capacity, making it harder to achieve positive outcomes for every animal in need.
Cornerstone is designed to address these challenges upstream by increasing access to affordable, essential services.
A local solution, built with the community
Cornerstone is a local answer to a local crisis, supported by national partners. It is dedicated to Tulare County and shaped by the people who know the challenges best.
The clinic is led by Cassie Heffington, a local leader in animal welfare who spent more than a decade working within the Tulare County shelter system. Her experience informed the model behind Cornerstone, which focuses on prevention, access, and long-term impact.
“Most pet owners are trying their best, but can’t find or afford the services they need,” Cassie says. “Expanding access to spay/neuter and preventative care is one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes across the entire system.”
Services at Cornerstone Animal Center
When fully operational, Cornerstone is projected to serve up to 26,000 pets each year. Initial services include:
- High-quality, affordable spay and neuter surgeries for dogs and cats
- Walk-in preventative care, including core vaccinations
- Parasite prevention and treatment
- Microchipping
The clinic is located inside the Visalia PetSmart, providing a familiar and accessible setting within the community. Financial assistance, discounts, and payment plans are available to ensure services remain accessible.
By increasing access to these essential services, Cornerstone helps reduce shelter intake, improve pet health, and keep animals at home with the people who love them.
Building for the future
Cornerstone is designed as permanent infrastructure, not a temporary clinic or short-term program. The SF SPCA will incubate the clinic during its first five years, providing operational and financial support as it grows into an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This approach ensures stability while building a foundation for long-term success.
This work is made possible through a strong coalition of partners:
- PetSmart Veterinary Services, which is providing a five-year, rent-free lease inside the Visalia PetSmart location
- Maddie’s Fund, which awarded a $1.4 million grant to support the clinic’s first five years of operation
- The SF SPCA, contributing more than 150 years of animal welfare expertise and extensive Central Valley field experience
Together, these partners are helping to establish a sustainable model that can be expanded to other underserved communities over time.
The role of donor support
The opening of Cornerstone reflects the impact of sustained donor investment in access-to-care solutions. By supporting this work, donors are helping to address the underlying causes of animal suffering and create more sustainable outcomes for animals and their families. As the clinic begins serving the Visalia community, it represents both immediate progress and a long-term commitment to improving animal welfare across the region.
The most important way to support Cornerstone right now is to help spread the word. Families can book appointments at cornerstoneac.org or by calling (559) 338-1767. Referrals to friends, neighbors, and local rescue organizations help ensure that this resource reaches the people and pets who need it most.