Starting this year, Drs. Ingrid Balsa and Jessica Abel take the long drive to a small veterinary clinic in Sells. There, two onsite technicians are waiting to help them with whatever comes in that day. Some of the patients may be small and cuddly, while others might be large and nervous. But these veterinarians believe that all people and pets deserve care.
Both veterinarians have made it their mission to care for sick and injured cats and dogs in Southern Arizona. They do this in a number of ways and it’s all under the umbrella of their new nonprofit, Companion Animal Care Team and Urban Sanctuary. Can’t remember that? They go by the acronym CACTUS.
“We started the organization because both Jessica and I were looking for a change professionally, as we had both seen so many people who love their animals so much but are unable to afford even basic veterinary care,” Balsa said. “We both know the human-animal bond is so important to living in a connected and humane society and want to use our veterinary training to support a positive and healthy community for all people and pets.”
They know there are lots of organizations out there that care for animals. CACTUS stands out for a couple of reasons.
They partner with other organizations such as the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. They work with organizations to provide services instead of being public-facing.
“We are not client-facing, … we are set up to work with other nonprofits and municipalities that need veterinary help,” Balsa said.
The list of services they offer is long: preventive care such as vaccinations, deworming and wellness appointments, dentistry and surgeries, including spay and neuter, but also many other types of procedures. During clinic days they will see whatever walks in, sick or injured.
“We are two veterinarians that are doing this and I think our ability to provide direct care to the animals that we have on our sanctuary property as well as the rural communities we serve is unique to us,” Balsa said. “Some people cannot afford the low-cost veterinary services available. By working with other organizations to identify those most in need ,we are able to provide services free to those clients.”
Then there’s the animal sanctuary they run.
On a lovely piece of property on the east side, which is owned by a benefactor, they and their volunteers currently care for five cats and seven dogs. “We have criteria for the animals that we will take onto the property,” she added. “Geriatric animals, cats, dogs and horses, with some type of medical need. Usually the dogs or cats have been in a shelter for a prolonged period of time and have been passed up for younger, healthier animals. Right now, we have animals predominantly from the Humane Society of Southern Arizona and Pinal County Animal Care and Control,” said Balsa.
The animals they accept have to be able to live communally within their own species.
Support comes from donors, and as they move into their second year they will also be applying for grants. In addition to financial donations they are seeking specific building materials and people with various construction skills. They want to grow intentionally on their beautiful and unique property with a master plan in mind.
Since the animals live in a home-like environment, volunteers are always needed to be “cat cuddlers” and early morning dog walkers. They always need someone to help tidy up. To donate or volunteer, email info@cactustucson.org.
