(SHS) — The Saipan Humane Society is proud to announce the successful completion of its second Mars Ambassador Program Spay and Neuter Clinic, held last month on both Saipan and Rota. This life-saving outreach provided much-needed veterinary care to over 300 animals across the islands, helping improve the overall health and well-being of local pets and the community.
Through the generous support of Mars Petcare’s Mars Ambassador Program, Dr. Mariah Coakley from the VCA and Veterinary Technician Specialist Karen Wiley from Blue Pearl travelled across the world to assist in this mission. Their dedication and expertise played a key role in delivering high-quality care and surgeries to our island pets.
Saipan clinic
The Saipan clinic team successfully performed 74 spay and neuter surgeries and completed 141 wellness appointments during the week-long event.
SHS extends sincere thanks to the Saipan Mayor’s Office for their manpower, logistical support, and for providing crates to host surgical patients during recovery.
“We also thank AK for sponsoring the rental car, and our generous lunch sponsors — Paradise Dental, Great Harvest, Spicy Thai, and Lucky Bil — for keeping our volunteers and veterinary team fueled throughout the clinic.
“Additional thanks to the DLNR Department of Animal staff for assisting with health certificates and documentation for our animal patients.”
Rota clinic
On Rota, the team served 103 animals in just 2.5 days — performing 46 spay and neuter surgeries and providing Seresto collars and vaccinations to every surgical patient. The remaining 57 animals received wellness exams, preventative care, and vaccinations.
Special appreciation goes to SHS’s Rota sponsors and supporters:
• Coral Garden Hotel for providing comfortable accommodations with a beautiful view
• NAAI for covering shipping costs of medical supplies from Rota to Saipan
• Rota Mayor’s Office for securing the clinic location and offering logistical support
• Aria from Boonie Babies for joining the Rota clinic, providing valuable animal restraint training and educating local youth about animal welfare
• Mr. Blaine Graboyes Goldman and Captain Ceilio for transporting medical supplies between islands
• Ms. Susana Yalala and Dr. Tilman Farley for coordinating clinic flow and assisting Rota community members with sign-ups
• Ms. Journey for generously sponsoring daily meals for the team
• And to all Rota volunteers, whose time and dedication made this event possible
“The Mars Ambassador Program has given us the opportunity to bring professional veterinary care to areas that rarely have access to it,” said Ruby Ma, clinic director of SHS. “This trip not only prevented future unwanted litters but also helped many families care for their pets with proper wellness exams and preventive treatment.
“It was an honor to work alongside the Saipan Humane Society team,” said Dr. Mariah Coakley of the VCA Charity. “The commitment and compassion of the local volunteers were inspiring, and the impact this clinic made on both the animals and their families will be felt for years to come.”
Karen Wiley, veterinary technician specialist, added, “Being part of this mission reminded me how powerful collaboration can be. From community members helping one another to local partners stepping up in every way possible — it truly showed what can happen when people come together for the animals.”
The Saipan Humane Society is deeply grateful for the continued partnership with Mars Petcare, the Banfield Foundation, and our local supporters who make these clinics possible. Together, we are making lasting change for animals and communities across the CNMI.
About the SHS
The Saipan Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving animal welfare and public health in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands through education, outreach, spay/neuter programs, and accessible veterinary services.