Mission Statement
Community Animal Treatment Center (CATC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to delivering high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter (HQHVSN) services for community cats and pets, with a focus on supporting low-income residents. Our mission is to reduce the number of homeless animals and prevent the unnecessary euthanasia of adoptable pets in overcrowded Los Angeles shelters.
A cornerstone of our work is continuing the legacy of FixNation, a trailblazer in Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and humane colony management. We aim to expand access to vital resources and education to support the health and well-being of homeless cats throughout the region.
Through compassionate, community-centered care, CATC is dedicated to building a healthier, more humane future for companion animals and community cats across Los Angeles.
Our Goal
Our goal is to improve the health and well-being of animals through compassionate care, community education, and accessible veterinary services. We are dedicated to providing spay neuter services and essential medical treatments to underserved animals, supporting community cats as well as house pets in need, and advocating for the humane treatment of all animals. Through collaboration, outreach, and a commitment to excellence, we strive to ensure that every animal receives the care and attention they deserve.
Our Services
We provide a comprehensive range of services for both pets and community cats, including vaccinations, flea treatment, microchip implantation, and deworming, all offered at the time of spay/neuter surgery. Our state-of-the-art facility and advanced medical equipment ensure the highest standard of care for every animal we treat.
For the safety and well-being of our patients, we strongly recommend pre-operative bloodwork for all pets. Pre-operative bloodwork is required for pets over six years of age and must be completed at our clinic prior to scheduling a spay or neuter procedure.
Please note that we do not perform anesthetic procedures on certain breeds, including American and French Bulldogs, Persian cats and Sphynx due to increased anesthetic risk.
Additionally, all purebred Dobermans are required to provide proof of normal Von Willebrand disease (vWD) test results prior to surgery. Failure to present documentation of a normal result at the time of the appointment will result in cancellation of the surgical procedure.
Our History
Community Animal Treatment Center (CATC) is a Non-profit 501C3 founded by Dr. Peyvand Silverman, DVM and Sandy Sagastume in 2024. CATC strives to continue FixNation's compassionate mission to humanely and naturally reduce the population of homeless cats by sterilizing as many as possible while demonstrating the effectiveness of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and colony management.
FixNation was founded by Mark Dodge and Karn Myers and became the first, full-time spay-neuter facility in Los Angeles in 2007. For many years, FixNation provided comprehensive TNR support including free spay/neuter services for homeless cats, TNR outreach and education, affordable care for companion cats, and partnerships to facilitate adoptions. They also served as a model for TNR and cat population management across the country.Â
Meet the Team
Peyvand Mirzadeh Silverman, DVM
Dr. Peyvand Silverman is a dedicated animal advocate committed to providing exceptional, compassionate, and equitable veterinary care, with a strong emphasis on client education and community outreach.
Born and raised in Iran, Dr. Silverman discovered her passion for animals early in life by caring for stray animals in her neighborhood. Her deep interest in science and the complexities of medicine ultimately led her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. In 2001, she moved to the United States to follow that dream, earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 2011.
Dr. Silverman has experience in both private practice and shelter medicine; however, the majority of her career has been dedicated to serving low-income families and their pets through her work with nonprofit organizations. For her, veterinary medicine is more than a profession—it is a calling. She values the trust and relationships she builds with her clients, ensuring their pets are treated with kindness, respect, and the highest standard of care.
She is the founder of the Community Animal Treatment Center (CATC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Through CATC, Dr. Silverman is proud to offer high-quality medical care to all animals, with a special focus on Los Angeles’ community cat population.
Sandy Sagastume
Originally from El Salvador, Sandy experienced a deep love for animals from an early age, having to leave behind her beloved German Shepherd when she moved to the United States at a young age. Unable to have pets in her new home, she longed for the companionship she once cherished. This longing eventually inspired her to pursue a position at a local animal hospital during her college years—an experience that ignited her passion for animal welfare.
It was through this work that Sandy became acutely aware of the urgent need for accessible veterinary services and the growing crisis of pet overpopulation. Determined to make a difference, she transitioned to the nonprofit sector, committing herself to the promotion of animal well-being and responsible pet ownership.
During her 12-year tenure as the clinic manager of a mobile spay/neuter clinic, Sandy played a pivotal role in sterilizing over 100,000 pets. She also led initiatives to provide low-cost vaccinations and microchipping services to underserved communities—efforts that continue to leave a lasting impact.
Now based in Los Angeles, Sandy enjoys spending her free time hiking, walking, and exploring pet-friendly shops and restaurants with her daughter, along with their two cherished dogs—a Yorkie and a Morkie. Her lifestyle reflects her dedication to enriching the lives of animals and strengthening the bond between pets and their human families.
Co-founding a nonprofit organization has been a true calling for Sandy, and she is deeply committed to expanding her impact by helping as many community animals as possible.
Contact Us
Have a question or want to schedule an appointment? Contact us today by phone, email, or through our online form. We're here to help!