The Oregon Coast Humane Society is pleased to announce that they have entered into a contract to acquire Oceanside Veterinary Clinic. The acquisition will allow OCHS to transfer current veterinary operations to the facility at 1739 22nd Street. “We are thrilled by the new possibilities for improved care that this clinic offers,” said OCHS Executive Director Elizabeth Thompson.
The hometown shelter will first concentrate on transferring current services for shelter pets to the new facility. “OCHS does not anticipate serving privately-owned animals in 2025, and maybe not even 2026, depending on how the process goes.” Thompson says, “We appreciate the patience of our community as we ramp up this exciting new operation.”
Recruitment for veterinary staff is already underway and will be a significant determinant of service levels. “We are facing a nationwide shortage of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, but Florence has much to offer for professionals seeking an exceptional quality of life,” says OCHS Board President Mary Henry. OCHS is also developing partnerships with educational institutions to enhance services here while assisting in the education of a new generation of veterinary professionals. In the meantime, OCHS will continue to rely on part-time and visiting veterinarians who generously share their expertise.
Currently, OCHS volunteers burn up countless hours and miles to bring ailing shelter pets to clinics in Veneta, Eugene, and Springfield. A single, large dog spay, for example, costs more than $600. “Just imagine being able to repurpose those resources to providing care right here in our hometown,” says Henry.
OCHS is deeply indebted to the pioneers who founded the organization three decades ago, and to the support of animal lovers in our community who made possible the debt-free purchase of the clinic. Says Thompson, “Your support, now more than ever, will be key to building this exciting new chapter in our organization’s development. Working together, our hometown shelter will succeed in providing top-notch services for pets in our care, while striving to serve our community with affordable spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchips.”
For more information, or to provide a tax-deductible donation in support of our hometown shelter, call (541) 997-4277 or click here to donate online.
Press release February 7, 2025