SOLEDAD — After serving the Salinas Valley community for the past 90 years, Los Coches Animal Hospital has announced that it will be closing its Soledad location effective April 1.
Los Coches, a full-service animal hospital at 311 Nestles Road in Soledad, plans to merge with its sister pet hospital, Romie Lane, located in south Salinas.
“It is with gratitude and fond memories that we announce our decision to embark on a new chapter,” said Los Coches in a statement posted online March 12. “… All records from Los Coches will be transferred to Romie Lane, so you can be assured of continuity of care.”
Erin Askew, who has served as hospital manager of Los Coches since 2016, will be transitioning to the same role at Romie Lane.
“We believe combining Los Coches and Romie Lane pet hospitals will benefit both you and your pets by ensuring that you are able to get veterinary care that is exceptional and there when you need it,” the statement continued.
Romie Lane is a full-service veterinary hospital that offers comprehensive pet care at 755 E. Romie Lane in Salinas. Beginning April 1, it will offer new expanded hours Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
“Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns,” said Askew on social media. “Thank you for trusting us with your fur babies all these years. I look forward to continuing to see you and your pets.”
Anyone with questions can call 831-678-2658 or go to romielanepethospital.com for more information.
Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez shared Los Coches’ statement on Facebook, calling it a “loss for our South County pets and their families.”
Greenfield City Councilmember Drew Tipton commented on the post, saying that he recently talked with Greenfield City Manager Paul Wood about South Monterey County needing a new full-service veterinary facility. He asked Lopez for help setting up meetings to further discuss the need.
With Los Coches’ Soledad location closing, the nearest veterinary services are now about a half-hour drive in either direction on Highway 101 — Romie Lane Pet Hospital in Salinas or King City Veterinary Clinic in King City.
Askew stressed that Los Coches was not closing due to financial concerns. Rather, the hospital’s DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) known as Dr. Jimmy has moved out of the area and found a job closer to his new home.
“Dr. Jimmy has been holding down the fort as a new doc out of Vet School and has done an amazing job,” Askew said. “He has moved and has been commuting for some time. He has found something closer to home that works better for his lifestyle.”
A nationwide shortage of veterinarians is also to blame.
“It has been impossible for us to hire DVMs and keep the Hospital open,” Askew said. “We agree it would be great if South County had a larger facility with emergency care.”
