Silicon Valley Animal Rescue

March 1998 Silicon Valley Animal Rescue (SVAR) is co-founded by Patty Clerico-Parham of Cisco Systems and Rebecca Trevino, a state and local tax consultant. SVAR is incorporated and receives its IRS non-profit standing. SVAR's goals include opening a free spay/neuter clinic and later a no-kill animal shelter. In the meantime, SVAR launches a small-scale free spay/neuter program in partnership with Bay Cities Clinic in Milpitas, CA.

March 1999 SVAR receives an anonymous donation (of securities) to open a spay/neuter clinic that offers free spay or neuter to companion animals.

September 1999 SVAR opens its free spay/neuter clinic in San Carlos, CA. Later the clinic expands to offer affordable medical care and special surgeries to companion animals.

June 2003 SVAR initiates review of whether or not the Animal Medical Center should be the focus of SVAR's future. It is determined that SVAR's initial faith in Free spay/neuter programs is key to addressing the issue of shelter killing. Given the high cost of operating a medical center, such programs could be better managed by out-sourcing the surgeries. In addition, Animal Rights work could also be added as a primary program to protect the lives of animals in our community.

September 2003 SVAR finalizes the closure of its Animal Medical Center and establishes Project Henry a Free Spay/Neuter program in partnership with Bay Cities Veterinary Clinic in Milpitas, California. SVAR changes its name to Silicon Valley Animal Rights and launches a new website.

September 2004 SVAR's Project Henry goes "feral"! Knowing the root of needless killing in public animal shelters is related to un-neutered animals - many of them stray - Project Henry aims to join the efforts of community formed TNR (trap-neuter-return) projects.

2005 SVAR seeks to form a core group of individuals that will address local animal rights issues. The core will develop comprehensive programs aimed at abolishing practices that exploit animals and that bring awareness to the community. The ideal person will have skill sets in one of the following areas: administration, writing, PR, advertising, local government politics, mass electronic mail, or knowledge of animal ethics and solutions. Each member should be able to commit 5 to 10 hours per month.

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