Rising Stars: Meet Serina Ortiz of El Monte

Today we’d like to introduce you to Serina Ortiz.

Hi Serina, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I founded SGV Animal Advocates in 2011 after noticing a vast need for pet education and services in our low income communities. I always considered myself a big pet lover but didn’t have any idea growing up how much animals will be a big part of my life. I’m a so-cal girl and haven’t found any urge to change. After completing my bachelor’s degree at UCLA I moved right into graduate school and completed my doctorate in 2011. I was disalusioned and unenthused about my future in scientific research. Frankly I had a lot of rescue animals at the time and the cost of care was exorbitant. I empathized with others about the need to properly care for one’s pets despite having poor access and little money to do so. So after completing my PhD I went back to community college to study to be a registered veterinary technician and then started my nonprofit organization SGVAA.
Our organization was formed to primarily promote education on responsible pet ownership and controlling community cat populations through TNR. We would rescue and adopt out our kittens through local mom and pop petstores and organized events with schools, boy scouts, girl scouts, to talk with kids to teach responsible pet ownership.

Currently we do rescue and adopt out animals but our focus has expanded to providing ultra low cost preventative wellness services to rescues and fosters only. Specifically we deworm, vaccinate, microchip, offer flea preventatives, nail trims and ear cleaning and anything else they might need to get adoption ready. We provide service to 4,00-5,500 kittens a year.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Covid didn’t make things any easier for us. While we witnessed an increase in adoptions and fostering for a time, the number of animals that were relinquished, abandoned, and dumped really snowballed when everyone got back to work and resumed life post covid. So many animals died as people moved out of their homes and apartments. They were just left behind so the situations was always dire. Hardly any of them had been sterilized so we observed a large influx of very ill malnourished animals and their offspring. The SGVAA organizations primary function was on education and helping teach people about pet overpopulation and responsible pet ownership but opportunities to educate during covid were limited. Additionally , it was nearly impossible for many to find facilities and clinics that were open for TNR (trap, neuter, return) services so the outdoor cat population soared when people lost the ability and access to spay/neuter.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I couldn’t see myself working in the laboratory and writing grants 70-80 hours a week for a living. I knew I was happiest when I was caring for animals so I’m very fortunate to be able to help animals for a living. My biology and scientific background definitely helps me understand the how, what and why’s of kitten wellness. I also enjoy teaching others about animals so they too can educate the masses. I’m really jazzed when I hear from a rescuer who taught another person to do said task. Rescuers need to be knowledgeable, comfortable and diligent in order to be successful so I hope I help in that capacity. I’d like to think the level of compassion sets me apart from others. I know that my field (being a rescuer and as a veterinary technician) is made up of those that care. We share the commonality of providing service to others.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Anyone can elicit change in their communities. We need to increase awareness to the suffering of animals and educate our low-income community about responsible pet ownership and pet overpopulation.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www SGVAA.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgvaa
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SGVAA
• Twitter: #sgvaa
• Other: Our website address is SGVAA.org