Bringing Compassion and Affordable Veterinary Care to Las Vegas
In a red brick building tucked away on the north side of Las Vegas, a small but mighty revolution is taking place. It’s the site of Hearts Alive Village Animal Clinic, a new, low-cost veterinary hospital dedicated to the protection, health, and wellbeing of our furry, four-legged friends. But unlike other commercial vet hospitals in the area, this one isn’t focused on scaling business. Instead, the mission of Hearts Alive Village Animal Clinic is to support both pets and their owners, all while curbing the exorbitant costs of veterinary care. And it’s being made possible by the generosity of the Alan J. Arnold MD Charitable Foundation.
Alan—or Dr. Arnold, rather—was a celebrated physician, practicing dermatology for over 30 years across Southern Nevada. With a niche focus on skin cancer research, Dr. Arnold also specialized in Mohs surgery, a controlled procedure used to remove cancerous skin cells from healthy tissue, making him a literal life-saver. With kindness, compassion, and a down-to-earth approach, Dr. Arnold managed to treat hundreds of patients throughout his noteworthy career, earning him the admiration of community members and colleagues alike.
Following his retirement, Dr. Arnold began dedicating time toward other charitable pursuits, including animal welfare and underprivileged children and families. In 2020, shortly before his passing, he partnered with Nevada Community Foundation (NCF) to establish his namesake endowment, which has since granted over $1.4 million to recipient organizations driving support for the causes he treasured most. One of those beneficiaries, Hearts Alive Village, is currently putting that gift to incredible use.
Hearts Alive Village Animal Rescue
Founded in 2013 by Executive Director Christy Stevens, Hearts Alive Village was built on the premise that all animals, both big and small, deserve a life that’s happy, healthy, and safe. And through a variety of initiatives, including pet adoptions, vaccinations, and spay and neuter services, the non-profit organization has delivered on that mission in spades.
Through Dr. Arnold’s generous contribution, Stevens and her team were able to purchase the building at 3250 North Decatur Boulevard, transforming the modest, single-story space into the newly erected Hearts Alive Village Animal Clinic, Las Vegas’s low-cost veterinary hospital providing crucial services for community pet owners. After a few extra upgrades and some much-needed renovations, Hearts Alive Village Animal Clinic has since become a state-of-the-art hub for change.
“We have plans to spay and neuter 13,000 animals annually, which will make a huge impact on pet health in Southern Nevada,” says Stevens.
A Meaningful Difference for Families, Pets, and the Community
It’s a game-changing solution for many local pet owners, who might otherwise delay or forgo essential veterinary care due to cost.
“This clinic removes one of the biggest barriers families face when trying to keep their pets healthy: affordability,” says Stevens.
The new facility also houses the nonprofit’s Veterinary Forensics program, which assists local authorities in investigating cases of animal cruelty and neglect. While this work is vital, Stevens is quick to note the clinic’s primary focus is on prevention: keeping pets healthy, cared for, and safe from harm. By expanding access to treatable medical conditions and reducing cost of care, Hearts Alive Village Animal Clinic has made it possible for all family members—pets included—to live happily ever after, all under one roof.
Dr. Arnold’s Legacy Lives On
For Stevens and her team, the support from Dr. Arnold’s fund has been invaluable.
“This clinic is more than just bricks and mortar,” she says. “It’s a symbol of what’s possible when people believe in your mission. The Alan J. Arnold MD Charitable Fund has given us the freedom to dream big and the resources to make those dreams a reality.” That dream—a healthier, more humane community for all animals—is a nod to the man himself.
As the designated manager of the Alan J. Arnold MD Charitable Endowment, NCF ensures the fund will grow over time, guaranteeing Dr. Arnold’s values will continue to impact the greater Las Vegas community for generations to come.
“Establishing an endowment is a powerful way to preserve your personal legacy and create transformative change in communities,” said Gian Brosco, President and CEO of NCF. “Dr. Arnold’s foresight and generosity will continue to support impactful work in Southern Nevada for decades.”
For those who knew him, that ongoing impact is exactly what he would have wanted.
“Alan was a brilliant physician and a savvy investor,” said Chip Wallace, a close friend and family trustee. “He cared deeply about this community, and it’s incredibly moving to see his personal passions supported in such a meaningful way.”
At Hearts Alive Village, the timing couldn’t be more critical. With demand for low-cost veterinary services soaring and the need for animal protection more urgent than ever, the new clinic represents a strategic leap forward.
“We’ve come a long way, but there’s still so much to be done,” Stevens says. “The clinic is just the beginning. Thanks to the Arnold Fund, we’re building something that will protect animals for years to come.”
Join the NCF community
Your support can ensure stories like this one continue on and serve as models for community philanthropy. To learn more about starting an endowment or contributing to the Alan J. Arnold MD Charitable Fund, Reach out to NCF to get started.