Dr. Douglas Kunz, a veterinarian in Palm Springs for 45 years, was named Volunteer of the Year in the Fourth Supervisorial District by Supervisor V. Manuel Perez on Apr. 23 during a Riverside County Board of Supervisors meeting.
The recognition took place as part of April’s Volunteer Appreciation Month, highlighting volunteers from all five districts who have contributed to their communities.
Supervisor Perez said that Dr. Kunz was honored for his ongoing work with the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and his efforts to organize and provide services at events treating ticks in dogs in eastern Coachella Valley communities. “Animal services, especially the need for veterinary care, is a major concern in our county… The issue is everywhere, especially the east end when it comes to our district,” said Supervisor Perez. “I had the pleasure of going out there at Oasis Mobile Home Park. He had quite a team out there and there was a long line of folks ready to be seen by Dr. Kunz as well as many folks who volunteered that day. What’s amazing to me is that he has been doing that consistently over so many years.”
Kunz serves as medical director at VCA Desert Animal Hospital and has been involved with Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter since its founding, serving as president from 1996 to 2015 and continuing today on its board and as an advisor to its medical team.
Since 2016, he has also served on the board of the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District where he helped fund dog tick treatment clinics at Oasis Mobile Home Park with his VCA team.
Kunz credited several partners for their support: Loving All Animals, Animal Samaritans, Dr. Janet Foley at UC Davis, VCA Regional Operations Director Paul Guyse who secured free vaccines and discounts on tick treatments, Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, Riverside County Department of Animal Services, seven volunteer veterinarians from VCA hospitals including most staff from his hospital.
“It’s something you come away with such a wonderful feeling that maybe you made a little bit of a difference. It’s like pebbles in the pond. If we can make a difference in one person’s life or a few peoples’ lives, it radiates out. I’m honored and appreciate so much this award, thank you,” said Dr. Kunz.
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber contributes to economic vitality through tourism promotion and community events according to its official website. The chamber advocates for businesses by providing networking opportunities and educational resources as noted online. Its reach extends across cities such as Cathedral City, Coachella, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and Rancho Mirage according to chamber information. Pro-business policies are promoted locally and regionally by the chamber according to its official website. Partnerships among businesses and community stakeholders are fostered by the organization as per online information, while leadership training programs along with business directories are offered among other member services according to chamber resources.
