Thanks to the generosity of The Alexis Project, Hearts Alive Village is able to provide pit bull families in our community with access to affordable spay and neuter services at a significantly reduced cost, making it easier than ever to give their pets the care they need while helping to reduce the cycle of unwanted litters.
To get started, simply complete a short Google form with some basic information about your pit bull. Once submitted, our team will reach out with any follow-up questions and provide you with a link to schedule your appointment online. To secure your spot, you’ll just need to pay a small deposit based on your dog’s weight, and The Alexis Project will cover the rest. Neuter surgeries range from $66–$116, while spay surgeries range from $81–$151, depending on your dog’s size.
Google form here
Dr. Parantala is a Las Vegas native who became a veterinarian because it was the only thing she wanted to be when growing up. She graduated from Bishop Gorman High School, went to University of Nevada, Reno for college, and went on to graduate from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001. As her career has progressed, she has realized a love for advocating for those that cannot speak for themselves. Her goal with every patient visit is that both the patient and the owner have the least stressful experience possible and stay well and happy.
Her family is ever evolving and currently includes her husband Stephen, son Solomon, daughter Grace, two rescue dogs Jack Skelligton & Sally, and two rescue cats Stuart and Wesley.
Amy Ingstad, a Las Vegas native, has loved animals since childhood, but dogs have always held a special place in her heart. She knew her future would involve working with animals, even if she wasn’t sure how at first. Over the years, that passion grew into a calling, especially for pit bulls, a breed she’s deeply devoted to.
Her first love is animals, and her 2nd love is volunteering. Amy’s start at Hearts Alive Village as a volunteer and pit bull foster began with a chance encounter at Henderson Animal Shelter in 2015 where a new friend and HAV supporter introduced her to the world of animal rescue. She was a devoted volunteer and foster of 9 pit bulls, which is a breed that she has a soft spot for. In 2024, she decided to take a huge leap of faith and quit her office job to pursue her passion for dogs and animal rescue. Up until that point, she was a volunteer for HAV, Street Dogz, as well as a frequent visitor and volunteer for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. Her happy place is hiking or kayaking, or anything to do with nature. She loves taking her dogs on adventures, and is a proud mom to three rescue pit bulls, two of them being HAV dogs.
Pit bull advocacy is close to Amy’s heart, and she’s determined to be a voice against breed bans in the city. When she officially joined the Hearts Alive Village team in 2024, she stepped into the role of Hybrid Foster Coordinator, blending her experience as a foster, volunteer, and her hospitality background to create real impact. Through this work, she has helped lead a life-changing program that has already saved more than 40 lives and counting.
Think about it. A microchip the size of a grain of rice can mean the difference between being reunited with a lost pet…or not.
“Well,” you may say, “my pet has a collar and name tag.” That’s a lovely fashion statement, but a collar can easily break or fall off. Then if your dog wanders off or your cat scampers up a tree a few blocks from home, a stranger may find them with no ID. But if the pet has a registered microchip, you have definitive proof of ownership. This is particularly helpful in the case of stolen pets.
Once implanted between the animal’s shoulder blades, the microchip is there to stay. All you need to do is have it checked once a year to make sure it’s working properly and that the registration is up to date.
If that happens to you, a chip greatly increases the likelihood that your pet will be returned to you safely. Recent studies have shown that cats with microchips are 20 times more likely to be returned to their owner. And chipped dogs are returned 2.5 times more than unchipped dogs.
That’s a pretty significant difference. And with millions of pets going missing, you want to do everything you can to ensure that yours finds its way back to you.
A story reported in the PetHealth Network newsletter from IDDEX tells about Spice, the 6-month-old grey and white cat discovered 2,300 miles away from her home. Thanks to her microchip, the shelter in Westbrook, Maine was able to identify her guardian in Albuquerque, New Mexico and return Spice to her loving home.
Some manufacturers are enhancing the chips’ capabilities and adding functionality by programming the chip to open your pet door only when your pet approaches. This helps keep out stray critters that may wander into your home. Some chip makers also offer lost pet alerting services and even travel assistance for folks who like to vacation with their pets.
At Hearts Alive Village, every pet we adopt out is microchipped before it goes out the door. If you have a pet who is not yet chipped, our Vet Clinic offers the service for only $25. It’s a simple, painless procedure. Call for an appointment, and put your mind at ease.
Here are more tips on chips:
If you notice your four-legged friend looking glassy-eyed, having difficulty walking or dribbling urine, chances are they’ve gotten into some cannabis edibles. This is not a good thing! THC can be dangerous to the animal’s health.
Other symptoms to watch for include nervousness, tremors or seizures, difficulty regulating body temperature and slow heart rate.
Now that recreational use of marijuana has been legalized in more areas, the rate of toxicosis in animals is increasing. Our curious pets are ingesting unattended edibles. But not to worry, if the edible doesn’t contain THC, your pet will probably be fine.
THC isn’t the only dangerous ingredient lurking in some edibles. Treats that contain chocolate, raisins, xylitol or high fat substances that are known to be fatal can also cause serious problems in pets.
The effects of THC may vary from one animal to another depending on:
Be sure to keep your marijuana, including edibles, away from prying paws and nosy noses.
Supportive care may be needed to regulate the animal’s temperature. Fluids and anti-vomiting meds should be given to prevent dehydration.
Activated charcoal will help bind the toxin in the stomach. As a last resort, the animal’s stomach may have to be pumped to remove the marijuana from its system.
888-426-4435
Or rush your pet to
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care
8650 W. Tropicana Avenue, #104
702-262-7070
The Hearts Alive Village opened its new low-cost Spay/Neuter Wellness Clinic on Nellis Boulevard Wednesday morning.Anyssa Bohanan got an early preview inside the new clinic and heard why their services are needed in the valley. The facility houses the Veterinary Forensics Program, which has already investigated more than 200 cases of animal cruelty and neglect.
Read more here: https://www.ktnv.com/news/new-low-cost-spay-and-neuter-clinic-aims-to-tackle-pet-overpopulation-in-las-vegas
Think of spay and neuter as birth control for your pet! Both are simple surgical procedures in which the animal’s reproductive organs are removed. A spay is done for females; neuter is for males.
We recommend you spay/neuter your pet between 4-6 months of age.
Why spay your female dogs and cats:
Why neuter your male dogs and cats:
And the most important reason to spay or neuter your pet (drum roll, please!): you’re helping put an end to pet overpopulation in the community!
If your pet is not yet spayed or neutered, please make an appointment now at the Hearts Alive Vet Clinic. We offer low cost spay/neuter services. Simply email frontdesk@heartsalivevillage.org to book your procedure.
Stephanie Rodrigo began her career in the animal welfare field after a brief experience in the culinary industry led her to apply for a position at her local shelter. Over the course of two years, she cared for hundreds of dogs, cats, and exotic animals, before advancing into a supervisor role. During her six years supervising shelter operations, she developed a deep understanding of the critical role that cleanliness, communication, and enrichment play in supporting the mental and physical well-being of animals in care.
After the birth of her son, Stephanie took time away to focus on her family before returning to her true calling in animal welfare. She joined Hearts Alive Village in a part-time role, which quickly grew into full-time, then into leadership, and eventually into her current position as Welfare Supervisor. Over the past four years at HAV, she has worked closely with fosters and adopters to place countless dogs in loving temporary and permanent homes. Today, she leads a dedicated team at The ReTreat, ensuring dogs receive daily enrichment, training, medication, and playgroups while they await their forever families.
Crystal Vaquera is a Licensed Veterinary Technician with more than 25 years of experience dedicated to the care, health, and well-being of animals. Throughout her career, she has worked in a diverse range of veterinary settings, gaining hands-on experience in patient care, client communication, and team leadership. Her career path has given her a deep understanding of both the medical and human sides of veterinary medicine.
In addition to her clinical work, Crystal serves on the Nevada Veterinary Medical Board of Examiners, where she plays a vital role in upholding professional standards and supporting the veterinary community. Her leadership and commitment to excellence reflect her belief in advancing the profession and ensuring the highest quality of care for animals across the state.
For the past 15 years, Crystal has dedicated her efforts to the nonprofit sector, where she has combined her technical background with a passion for service and advocacy. She is deeply committed to improving access to veterinary care, supporting underserved communities, and promoting education that fosters a stronger bond between people and animals.
Known for her passion and curiosity, Crystal is a lifelong learner who is always seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge and grow within the profession. She believes that veterinary medicine is not just about treating animals, but also about fostering compassion, resilience, and community.
Outside of her professional roles, Crystal continues to be a strong advocate for animal welfare and professional development, serving as a mentor and resource for colleagues entering or advancing in the veterinary field.
