Clinic center: Program launches to expand veterinary care in underserved communities, new specialty hospital opens in New York, plus other updates

A new 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital is set to open in New York next month, plus a mobile provider is bringing low-cost vaccination services to a Texas community. Meanwhile, a veterinary-focused real estate group has launched a new initiative aimed at expanding care in underserved regions. Continue reading for more details.

Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center (Mamaroneck, New York)

A new 24/7 specialty and emergency hospital, Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center (VSEC), is scheduled to open on March 2, 2026, in Mamaroneck, New York. The facility will offer around-the-clock emergency services, intensive care, advanced diagnostics, and specialty care, including surgery and oncology, with additional internal medicine services planned.

VSEC was founded by Samuel Dicker, DVM, DACVECC, a board-certified specialist in emergency and critical care and a graduate of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, who brings more than a decade of clinical experience to the roles of founder and medical director of VSEC.

The hospital’s clinical team includes board-certified specialists in surgery, oncology, internal medicine, and critical care, as well as emergency veterinarians. According to VSEC, the center was established with the mission of ensuring that pets in Westchester County have consistent access to specialty and emergency services. It operates as a veterinarian-owned practice.¹

Low Cost Pet Vax hosts affordable vaccination clinic (Bastrop, Texas)

Low Cost Pet Vax recently hosted an affordable pet vaccination clinic in Bastrop, Texas, aimed at expanding access to essential preventive care for local pet owners. The 1-day event offered rabies vaccinations for $10 on a first-come, first-served basis, with no exam fees or additional charges.²

In addition to rabies vaccines, services included puppy and kitten vaccinations, dog and cat vaccine packages, microchipping, flea and tick preventives, and heartworm testing and prevention. Bilingual staff were available to assist clients in both English and Spanish, helping improve outreach and education within the community.

Low Cost Pet Vax continues to host low-cost vaccination clinics at locations across Texas and elsewhere as part of its mission to promote preventive care, support public health, and reduce barriers to veterinary services for underserved populations.² Clinic dates and locations are available on the organization’s website.

Terramed launches TerraGives to expand veterinary care access (Global)

Terramed Real Estate Solutions has launched TerraGives, a corporate social responsibility initiative aimed at building and supporting facilities to improve veterinary access in communities facing barriers to care. The program’s initial partnerships include funding the construction of a veterinary clinic in Ecuador, supporting rabies prevention efforts in Tanzania, and volunteer engagement with a Pennsylvania-based animal shelter.

The Ecuador project, developed in partnership with Amici Cannis (an organization working with indigenous communities in Ecuador to improve veterinary care and manage the stray dog population), will support expanded spay, neuter, and vaccination services. Additionally, it will house a residence and training center for both US veterinary students and Ecuadorian veterinarians.

"The new facility will mean we can finally offer consistent, high-quality veterinary care instead of operating at capacity in a space that limits what's possible," Alexandra Rothlisberger, executive director of Amici Cannis, said in a news release.³ "Thanks to TerraGives, we can continue demonstrating that sustainable animal welfare programs improve public health outcomes."

In Tanzania, TerraGives is supporting Rabies Free Africa, an organization focused on dog vaccination efforts to reduce rabies transmission to humans, especially in regions where access to postexposure treatment is limited. Domestically, Terramed employees volunteered at Brandywine Valley SPCA in West Chester, Pennsylvania, to support shelter operations and adoption readiness programs in Pennsylvania.

References

1. Opening March 2026: Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center. Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center. Accessed February 19, 2026. https://www.vsec.vet/
2. Low Cost Pet Vax announces affordable pet vaccination clinic in Bastrop scheduled for February 15th. News release. Low Cost Pet Vax. January 28, 2026. Accessed February 19, 2026. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/low-cost-pet-vax-announces-affordable-pet-vaccination-clinic-in-bastrop-scheduled-for-february-15th-302673256.html
3. Terramed Real Estate Solutions launches TerraGives to increase care in underserved communities. News release. February 4, 2026. Accessed February 19, 2026. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260204390208/en/Terramed-Real-Estate-Solutions-Launches-TerraGives-to-Increase-Care-in-Underserved-Communities