Neuter Scooter takes 30
Friday, November 6, 2009
Since its inception a year and a half ago, the H. Dale Buck Animal Welfare Memorial Fund’s Big Fix program, also known as the Neuter Scooter, has spayed and neutered around 300 dogs and cats at a reduced price for those who qualify for the program.
The Buck Fund has partnered with No More Homeless Pets KC Veterinary Clinic in Merriam to provide low cost spay and neutering services to residents. Sara Kelley, a board member for the Buck Fund, said 30 animals (six dogs and 24 cats) were taken this week to Kansas City to be spayed and neutered. Twelve of those were feral cats. No More Homeless Pets KC brings its van to Emporia and brings the pets back spayed or neutered the next day.
The cost for the services is income-based, Kelley said. Feral cats cost $15 and dogs and indoor cats depend on the weight. Other services are available as well such as vaccines, nail trims, microchipping, flea treatment, heartworm testing and treatment for ear mites.
“It’s all to combat the pet overpopulation,” Kelley said.
Kelley said there are only three to four low-cost spay/neuter clinics in Kansas. No More Homeless Pets KC is funded by private donations, Kelley said.
To qualify for the low-cost spay and neuter program, participants are required to provide proof of income, which could include a paycheck stub, tax documentation from the previous year or other income including social security, disability or unemployment.
“It’s giving local residents the opportunity to get their pet fixed at a price they can afford,” Kelley said.
The next Neuter Scooter could run in December or January depending on demand, Kelley said. A minimum amount of pets must be signed up for the service to take place.
The Neuter Scooter is one thing the Buck Fund does to help control pet overpopulation. It also helps animals find homes within Kansas and in other states. Last week, five dogs were transported from the Emporia Animal Shelter to Minnesota to find new homes. Kelley said small dogs have few problems finding homes in the area, but large dogs, especially large labradors, often sit in shelters. Through adoption programs around Kansas and outside the state, these dogs have another shot at getting a home.
“We try to find places for them to go ...” Kelley said.
For more information or to sign up for the Neuter Scooter, contact the Buck Fund at 343-3377 or buckfund@cableone.net. To see pets for adoption through the Buck Fund and the Emporia Animal Shelter, go to www.petfinder.com.
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