Los Coches Animal Hospital customers weighing options as facility prepares to close Soledad location

SOLEDAD, Calif. (KION-TV) -- UPDATE ON MARCH 15, 2024 AT 11:28 AM- As the Los Coches Animal Hospital gets ready to close, people living in South Monterey County are seeing just how limited their choices are for animal hospitals in the area.

“We are really limited to only two vets in South County before this closure," said Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez. "Los Coches has been a lifeline for pets, including my own here in the community."

Some pet owners who don't have the ability to drive to the next animal hospital in Salinas say they're sad to hear about the business closing.

“We have about four animals here and they’ve been going here for a few years too. It's a longer stretch to go from here to go out to another outreach center to get more help for my animals," Joseph Guarina from Soledad said.

People who want to stay loyal to Los Coches and its staff will have to drive 20 minutes out to get their furry friends their regular check-ups or urgent visit.

“At this time, I can tell you that we are having very preliminary conversations about what we might be able to do to assist and produce additional care in our South County communities," Lopez said. "There won’t be a quick fix I can say that off the bat, but I think, as we look to our mission, which is to make sure that we’re caring for our pets and keeping our community safe, we have to create that additional access.” 

They are taking into consideration the people who are driving from south county.

Soledad animal hospital closing their doors after 90 years in operation

A beloved animal hospital will be closing their doors effective on April 1.

On Wednesday night, Los Coches Animal Hospital announced on their Facebook page that they will be closing their doors and will serving pets at Romie Lane Hospital in Salinas.

Hours at Los Coches Animal Hospital will be expanded from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from Monday thru Friday.

While Los Coches Hospital has been in the Salinas Valley since the early 1930's, they have been in Soledad since 1959.

"We believe combining Los Coches and Romie Lane pet hospitals will benefit both you and your pets by ensuring that you are able to get veterinary care that is expectational and there when you need it," Los Coches Hospital said in a statement.

Erin Askew who is the hospital manager of Los Coches Animal Hospital said that the closure is due to a doctor of veterinary medicine shortage nationwide.