‘New center, more care’: Placer SPCA turns longtime mission into debt-free veterinary center

ROSEVILLE, Calif. — The Placer SPCA is preparing to open its brand-new Veterinary and Foster Care Center in early 2026, a project fully funded through a $12.5 million capital campaign and community support.

The 8,800-square-foot facility will provide critical medical services to both shelter animals and community pets, strengthening the organization’s mission to support the human-animal bond. 

Leilani Fratis, CEO of Placer SPCA, said the campaign’s success was fueled by strong local support and a mix of large and small donations. 

“Before we even started our capital campaign, an anonymous donor contributed $1 million to get things going,” Fratis said. “From there, our board, longtime supporters and new donors all came together to make this project a reality. Completing the fundraising before construction is even done is extraordinary for Placer County.” 

The new center is designed to provide expanded veterinary services, including wellness exams, spay/neuter surgeries, microchipping, vaccinations, dental procedures and more. 

Fratis emphasized that the facility is not only about treating animals in the shelter but also preventing pets from becoming homeless in the first place. 

“Some of these animals are coming to us because owners couldn’t access or afford the care they needed,” Fratis said. “This center will help keep pets in their homes while providing affordable veterinary care.” 

Currently, the project is in the final stages of construction, with the building nearly complete and an occupancy permit in hand. 

Fratis said the Placer SPCA plans to move its veterinary staff from its older facility into the new center in early December. 

“We’ll start performing surgeries, including some public spay/neuter procedures, by mid-December and our grand opening and ribbon-cutting will be at the end of January,” Fratis said. 

The new center significantly increases the organization’s capacity. Fratis explained that the previous facility could only handle one surgery at a time. 

The new building features three surgical suites, two of which are designed for high-volume spay/neuter, allowing the team to quadruple the number of surgeries performed daily. 

An on-site X-ray machine will also enable faster and more efficient medical care. Additionally, a dental suite with two tables will allow multiple dental procedures alongside surgeries, something not possible in the old space. 

Fratis said the center’s vision has evolved since construction began. 

“We realized we could also provide ongoing medical support for special needs pets adopted from our shelter, making adoption more accessible for families who want to give these animals a permanent home,” Fratis said. 

The expanded services aim to reduce the number of animals entering the shelter while improving the care available to those already in the system. 

In 2024, the Placer SPCA provided spay/neuter surgeries for more than 2,600 animals. With the new facility, that number could quadruple, while also offering dental and specialty care previously outsourced or limited. 

Looking beyond the building, Fratis said 2026 will focus on operationalizing the new center and expanding foster care programs. 

“We want to increase the number of volunteers and foster homes, providing the best environment for young animals or those needing longer-term care before adoption,” Fratis said.

The organization will also continue programs that support the human-animal bond, including a food pantry and assistance for people who might otherwise be separated from their pets due to financial or housing challenges. 

Fratis also highlighted several donation funds that allow the community to contribute directly to animal care, from veterinary services to end-of-life support. 

“Our Guardian Angel Fund helps cover specialized medical care for shelter animals and the Rainbow Bridge Fund supports end-of-life services for pets,” Fratis said. 

The Placer SPCA, located at 200 Tahoe Avenue in Roseville, operates without federal or state funding and relies entirely on community donations. 

Fratis said the new chapter represents a major step toward reducing pet homelessness and supporting the human-animal bond in Placer County. 

“We’re thrilled to provide these services and continue to grow our programs to serve both animals and the people who love them,” Fratis said.