Friends of PACC, the nonprofit fundraising partner of Pima Animal Care Center, has purchased a former veterinary practice on North 1st Avenue and plans to convert it into a nonprofit, low-cost animal clinic.

The Community Pet Clinic is open to anyone who has adopted an animal from PACC, anyone on government assistance who needs spay and neuter services for their animals, and families who receive assistance through PACC’s Pet Support Center, said Torre Chisholm, executive director of the nonprofit. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

“Both lack of access and rising costs of veterinary care are major factors contributing to the overpopulation problem in the PACC,” Chisholm said.

Despite Friends of PACC’s existing assistance programs to help families in need care for their animals, Chisholm says 30 percent of animals are surrendered to PACC because they do not have access to or cannot afford veterinary care.

PACC is facing a capacity crisis after an influx of surrendered animals, PACC Director Monica Dangler said in a press release in July.

“This is the next step in our evolution to address the problem before it becomes an emergency at Pima Animal Care Center,” Chisholm said.

The building at 2661 N. 1st Ave., the former site of VCA Animal Medical Center of Tucson, was purchased for just over $1.2 million. The property will be owned by Friends of PACC, which will have a lease agreement with PACC. Since the site is already operating as a veterinary practice, Chisholm said the new clinic will ideally open by the end of the year or early next year.

Local veterinarian Erin O’Donnell will take over medical management of the clinic, which plans to offer up to 12,000 appointments per year.

“Our goal with this clinic is to do everything we can to break down those barriers and ensure people have access to care for their pets and can leave them with the families who love them,” Chisholm said.