Tails in the News

Show Your Love, Spay/Neuter Your Pets

 

By Lauren Lewis

 

Throughout February, Indiana pet guardians are catching a break when it comes to spaying or neutering their animals. In honor of the “month of love,” Spay-Neuter Services of Indiana (SNSI) is teaming up with 26 local veterinarian clinics to offer spay/neuter surgeries at a reduced cost. The deal is available to all pet guardians, regardless of income.

“I can’t think of a better way for [guardians] all across Central Indiana to demonstrate the love they feel for their pet than to have them spayed or neutered,” said SNSI Executive Director, Judy Harvey. “With literally tens of thousands of unwanted pets destroyed every year at local animal shelters, it’s never been more important for pet [guardians] to have their pets altered. This partnership with local veterinarians during the month of February makes it possible to reduce the number of unwanted pets, and consequently the number who are eventually euthanized each year.”

In order to receive the discount pet guardians must pick up a certificate, which lists the participating vets, at the Marion County Library or various surrounding libraries. Certificates can also be obtained by calling (317) 788-6330 or at SNSI’s website, www.SpayNeuterServices.org. A completed certificate must be presented at the time of surgery.

In addition to SNSI’s services, there are many other options for year-round low cost spay/neuter services in Indiana. One example is Pets ALIVE Spay/Neuter Clinic in Bloomington which is nearing their one-year-anniversary. Pets ALIVE has provided more than 7,350 sterilization surgeries and they hope to continue their efforts by offering low-cost spay/neuter options for all pet guardians. Pets ALIVE Transport Outreach program makes sure no one is left out by scheduling pick-ups within a 75-mile radius on certain days of the week and month in surrounding communities. For more information about Pets ALIVE visit www.PetsAliveSpayNeuter.org or call (812) 824-1FIX.

Another terrific option is Spay-Neuter League Inc. in Terre Haute. They offer $30 coupons on the first Monday of each month with many local vets to help defray the regular cost of spay/neuter surgery. Coupons are limited to one per-month per-household and the number of coupons distributed each month depends on available funds. In order to receive a coupon, you must send a self-addressed stamped envelope along with a short letter about the animal, and a picture of the animal if possible. Include your name, address, and phone number on the bottom of the letter. For more information and a mailing address, visit www.TerreHauteSpayNeuter.org.

FACE (The Foundation Against Companion-Animal Euthanasia) Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic in Indianapolis performs more than 50 surgeries daily, and last year the total number of surgeries reached more than 9,000. “FACE Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic is here because for many individuals cost is a barrier to getting their animals ‘fixed’. We are able to provide a safe, low-cost alternative to a guardian who would not otherwise go to a veterinary clinic,” says Erica Flores, Director of Development. "Since opening our doors on March 8, 1999, FACE has performed over 70,815 surgeries and we estimate that because of our efforts thousands of animals have been saved. We serve everyone regardless of their income.” FACE offers several special programs geared at certain groups of pet guardians, such as their “Big Dog” program, FCAT Feral Cat Program, and “Free to a Good Home Program,” which provides free spay or neutering to cats or dogs with new litters being advertised as “free to good home” in local newspapers or posted in public places. For more information visit www.FaceSpayNeuter.org or call (317) 638-FACE.