Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (Sept. 12, 2024) – Helen Woodward Animal Center is proud to announce the pilot of its latest program providing animal care services, humane education, pet training and the distribution of pet food and supplies to the pets of the Iipay Nation. Animal Care Expo Day was conceived based upon multiple meetings with tribal leaders and committee members who expressed the challenges pet-owners face due to a lack of access to basic animal care services. Helen Woodward Animal Center will officially begin the partnership this Saturday, September 14th. The special day is funded by Center supporter Valerie Viterbi in honor of her beloved dog Lou. The media is invited to join us for this important launch.
The Iipay Nation is a portion of Santa Ysabel Reservation, home to the Band of Diegueño Mission Indians, a federally recognized tribe of Kumeyaay Indians referred to as Mission Indians. Located about 40 miles east of Escondido, on Highway 76, south of Los Coyotes Reservation, Santa Ysabel is situated on the slopes of the Volcano Mountains, at nearly 4,500 feet. The rugged, wooded area is home to many indigenous plants and animals and provides a peaceful sense of solitude for its residents. However, the challenges of living remotely often go unnoticed.
“We are in a rural area. We aren’t a gaming tribe, so we primarily run off grants. Our median income is $27,000. We experience high unemployment rates, and we’re in a food desert,” stated Bobby Sue Althaus, Director of Operations for the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel.
Additionally, the people of the Iipay Nation (approximately 300 families) are not eligible for San Diego County or city resources, and struggle with the inability to access low cost animal services like spays and neuters, pet vaccinations and assistance with unruly and untrained strays. Approximately 90% of Iipay Nation residents own a pet, but lack access to the same animal welfare support available to individuals who live off of the reservation.
“Talking to members of the Tribal Council is eye-opening,” said Helen Woodward VP of Development Renee Resko. “There is real love and concern for the reservation animals, but no real means to support the pet-owners. We are honored to be invited to find a way to provide services and help the residents and their pets.”
This Saturday, September 14th, Helen Woodward Animal Center’s mobile vet unit will visit the Iipay Nation, including two Center veterinarians, along with medically trained staff members who will provide spays/neuters, vaccinations, microchipping, minor medical procedures, flea and tick prevention and basic wellness exams. The BarkBus mobile grooming unit will also be on-site to provide “health related” grooming – removing mats and trimming nails. Additionally, two Center Humane Education instructors will share games, art projects and lessons to resident children with a focus on compassion and responsibility for our animal friends. San Diego Pet Training will join to share best practice pet training and tips to resident pet owners. (A $2500 cash incentive will be awarded to one family for the best trained dog – to be evaluated 90 days after the event.) Pet food, leashes, collars, dog igloos, and other supplies will also be provided.
Animal Care Expo Day is open to professional media. We ask that members of the media RSVP with Helen Woodward Animal Center prior to Saturday’s event.
An RSVP allows the Center to make sure those attended are directed to the correct location on the Santa Ysabel Reservation.
To RSVP, or for any questions, please reply to this email, or contact Communications Director Jessica Gercke; [email protected], cell: 619-977-0999
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jessica Gercke: [email protected], cell: 619-977-0999
Mike Makie: [email protected], cell: 619-884-4799
For questions regarding orphan pets and programs, please contact Helen Woodward Animal Center at 858-756-4117 or https://animalcenter.org.
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About Helen Woodward Animal Center
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 57,000 people and thousands of animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the international Blue Buffalo Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive, the International Remember Me Thursday® campaign and The Business of Saving Lives Workshops, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world. For more information go to: https://animalcenter.org.
