New animal clinic opens in Immokalee, bringing affordable veterinary care closer to families

SNIP Collier has opened its first clinic in Immokalee at 405 Sgt. Joe Jones Road, expanding access to low-cost veterinary care in Collier County.

The nonprofit offers spay and neuter surgeries, wellness exams and treatment for sick or injured animals. Founder Tom Kepp said opening the clinic has been years in the making.

"We finally got this building approved, and we got open in May," Kepp said after eight years of planning.

Kepp has spent roughly 25 years rescuing stray animals throughout Collier County. He says helping animals has never been about making money.

"I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't like it because I don't get paid for it, and that's fine with me," he said with a smile.

Veterinary technician Riley Brown said the new location fills a major need in Immokalee, where many families have limited access to affordable veterinary care and stray animals remain a common problem.

"The population is very overrun out here. There are not a lot of opportunities for people to get help," Brown said.

To help reduce pet overpopulation, SNIP Collier regularly hosts Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) events, where community cats are trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated and returned to their outdoor colonies.

For pet owner Olga Ortega, who brought her cat to the clinic after weeks of searching for answers about its health, the new location is already making a difference.

"Veterinary costs are very high," Ortega said. "This is an excellent option. It not only helps animals living on the streets, but also allows those of us who have pets to access services."

Kepp says the work isn't finished. Plans are already underway to build a second medical facility on the property, followed by an education center that could also serve as a hurricane shelter for animals.