New veterinary center for senior pets opens in Ramona

RAMONA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A Ramona-based nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and caring for senior animals has opened a new veterinary facility to better serve aging pets and the families who love them.

Frosted Faces Foundation officially unveiled its new Community Veterinary Center on Saturday, marking a major milestone in the organization’s 10-year mission to support senior dogs and cats. Located next door to the nonprofit’s rescue facility at 1448 Pine St., the standalone clinic will provide specialized medical care tailored to older pets.

Since being founded in 2014 by Kelly and Andrew Smíšek, Frosted Faces Foundation has rescued nearly 4,000 senior animals and provided over $10 million in veterinary services and support. The organization’s mission goes beyond rescue—it aims to remove the barriers that prevent people from adopting senior pets, especially when it comes to costly medical care.

“By reducing financial burdens, including vet care, Frosted Faces Foundation makes it possible for more families to welcome senior pets into their homes, keeping them healthy, happy and loved,” said Chief Executive Officer Kelly Smíšek. “This clinic is not just about rescuing pets – it’s really about keeping families together and ensuring senior pets receive the specialized care they deserve.”

Though the new building is a recent addition, the foundation has offered veterinary care for over a decade. In 2024 alone, the team provided nearly 6,000 exams, performed over 400 surgeries, and ran hundreds of diagnostics and blood panels to help their senior residents thrive.

Chief Operating Officer Andrew Smíšek explained that the organization first opened a temporary clinic in 2021 in response to rising veterinary costs. That move helped save over $1 million in medical expenses in just one year and strengthened their expertise in senior pet care.

Frosted Faces Foundation also runs a range of community-centered programs aimed at keeping pets out of shelters, including:

• Seniors for Seniors: Pairing adopters aged 65+ with volunteers to assist with pet care tasks.
• Safety Net Boarding: Offering 90 days of free boarding for pets whose owners face hospitalization or hardship.
• Frosted Funding: Grants averaging $500 to support vet care, food, training, and emergencies.
• Final Wish: A program allowing families to plan for their pets’ care in the event of death or long-term illness.

The Community Veterinary Center is a major step toward sustainability for Frosted Faces and a lifeline for senior pets who often struggle to find homes.

For more information or to get involved, visit frostedfacesfoundation.org.