Two local veterinary hospitals are putting on a Santa hat and helping others during the holiday season.
Dr. Leah Hill at Animal Medical Center in Merced said the clinic, which operates as an emergency clinic after hours, has extended its hours for scheduled visits.
"We will be open for regular appointments until 8 p.m. seven days a week," Hill said.
The clinic has been owned by Hill for 6½ years. Some three years ago, she added 24-hour emergency services.
Hill said the clinic is offering an urgent care type of fee instead of emergency fees from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
"We are trying to do this because we feel the area has been hit hard with the housing market and the job situation," Hill said.
It's not just the hours Hill has changed to help her clients. The clinic also has the Animal Medical Center charity fund. People can donate to the fund, which Hill will use to help people who have a hard time paying their vet bills. The clinic also donates to the fund.
"We try to help our clients as much as we can," Hill said.
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