Helping Retire “Bertha” – A Community Effort to Support Life Saving Veterinary Care in Las Vegas

Behind every successful spay, neuter, and lifesaving surgery is a quiet but critical piece of equipment most pet owners never see: the autoclave. At Heaven Can Wait Animal Society, that machine has long been affectionately known as “Bertha.” And after years of nonstop service, Bertha is ready for a well-earned retirement.

Heaven Can Wait Animal Society, a Las Vegas–based nonprofit dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation through accessible spay and neuter services, is raising funds to purchase a new autoclave — an essential surgical sterilizer that keeps both animals and veterinary staff safe.

What an Autoclave Does – and Why It Matters

An autoclave is a medical-grade sterilizer used to clean and prepare surgical instrument packs before procedures. For veterinary clinics like Heaven Can Wait Animal Society, this process is non-negotiable. Every spay or neuter surgery relies on properly sterilized instruments to protect both patients and staff.

Each pack must be completely sterile before it’s used on a dog or cat. Without a reliable autoclave, surgeries slow down — or stop altogether. For a high-volume clinic focused on preventive care, that can have a direct impact on how many animals receive help each day.

The replacement autoclave Heaven Can Wait has selected costs $7,999, and the organization is raising $8,000 to ensure their surgical program can continue operating safely and efficiently without interruption.

Meet the Fundraiser – A Little Fun with a Big Purpose

To help raise funds, Heaven Can Wait is hosting a raffle that combines community generosity with a little hometown excitement.

For every $10 donated, supporters receive one entry into a raffle for two Vegas Golden Knights tickets:

• VGK vs. Vancouver Canucks
• February 4
• Section 8, Row U, Seats 1 & 2

For those who simply want to support the cause without entering the raffle, that option is available as well — donors can opt out and still contribute directly to Bertha’s retirement.

Why This Matters Beyond One Machine

Spay and neuter clinics like Heaven Can Wait play a crucial role in animal welfare across Southern Nevada. By preventing unwanted litters, they help reduce shelter overcrowding and improve outcomes for dogs and cats throughout the community.

A dependable autoclave ensures:

• Safe, sterile surgical conditions
• Higher daily surgical capacity
• Less downtime and fewer canceled procedures
• Continued access to affordable veterinary care

In short, replacing Bertha helps ensure more animals get the care they need — on time and safely.

How to Learn More or Contribute

Donations and raffle entries can be made directly through Heaven Can Wait’s secure fundraising page.

Whether you’re drawn by the Golden Knights tickets, the chance to support local veterinary care, or simply want to help a hardworking clinic stay operational, this fundraiser offers a meaningful way to give back.

Sometimes, the biggest impact comes from supporting the tools that quietly make everything else possible.