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Animal Samaritans
Animal Samaritans SPCA is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit animal welfare organization committed to
eliminating the euthanasia of adoptable animals. Programs and services in place to save the lives
of healthy and treatable animals include prevention through humane education; low cost and
no-cost spay and neuter; low-cost vaccinations; microchipping; shelter and care; and adoptions to
lifelong homes. We also offer free services that enhance the bond between people and animals,
such as a volunteer-based animal assisted therapy program for hospitals, health care, special
needs facilities, and Juvenile Hall. Animal Samaritans SPCA, founded in 1978, is the Coachella
Valley's lead animal welfare organization.
Mission Statement:
To promote the welfare of animals in the greater Coachella Valley
Animal Samaritans SPCA is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit animal welfare organization committed to
eliminating the euthanasia of adoptable animals. Programs and services in place to save the lives
of healthy and treatable animals include prevention through humane education; low cost and
no-cost spay and neuter; low-cost vaccinations; microchipping; shelter and care; and adoptions to
lifelong homes. We also offer free services that enhance the bond between people and animals,
such as a volunteer-based animal assisted therapy program for hospitals, health care, special
needs facilities, and Juvenile Hall. Animal Samaritans SPCA, founded in 1978, is the Coachella
Valley's lead animal welfare organization.
Mission Statement:
To promote the welfare of animals in the greater Coachella Valley
Sherri Halstead – Hospital Manager and Manager of Special Needs
Sherri has had a number of careers, which include owning a business, heading up the Docent
Education Program and serving as the Public Service Manager at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in
Colorado Springs, managing a medical office, and living every woman’s dream – working in a high-
end jewelry shop. After 18 years as the Human Resources Manager for a very successful
manufacturing company in the Santa Barbara area, she and her husband Mark were able to retire to
the desert.
Throughout her life she has had many furry canine friends. Sherri and Mark currently share their
world with 2 standard poodles, Elvira and Merlin.
After taking numerous types of training classes, it became apparent to Sherri that she had a passion
for dog training. Meeting Lori Wainio and becoming part of the Dream Dogs family has lead her to
an unexpected “retirement career” and the most fun she has had in years! Elvira and Sherri are also
quite active in Animal Samaritans SPCA’s Animal Assisted Therapy program visiting patients,
speaking at senior centers and participating in school presentations as part of Animal Samaritans,
SPCA. She is the coordinator for the program’s Hospital and Special Needs Division.
Sherri has had a number of careers, which include owning a business, heading up the Docent
Education Program and serving as the Public Service Manager at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in
Colorado Springs, managing a medical office, and living every woman’s dream – working in a high-
end jewelry shop. After 18 years as the Human Resources Manager for a very successful
manufacturing company in the Santa Barbara area, she and her husband Mark were able to retire to
the desert.
Throughout her life she has had many furry canine friends. Sherri and Mark currently share their
world with 2 standard poodles, Elvira and Merlin.
After taking numerous types of training classes, it became apparent to Sherri that she had a passion
for dog training. Meeting Lori Wainio and becoming part of the Dream Dogs family has lead her to
an unexpected “retirement career” and the most fun she has had in years! Elvira and Sherri are also
quite active in Animal Samaritans SPCA’s Animal Assisted Therapy program visiting patients,
speaking at senior centers and participating in school presentations as part of Animal Samaritans,
SPCA. She is the coordinator for the program’s Hospital and Special Needs Division.