Low-cost spay-or-neuter options

For the last few weeks, the shelter staff has been referring callers interested in low-cost spaying/neutering of their furry family members to other organizations offering that service. Are you now wondering, “What happened to your low-cost spay/neuter program?” Well, the funding ran out at the end of last year. However, we believe it will be back up and running in the very near future to add to the number of dogs and cats (over 1,915!) not having unwanted litters.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, spay/neuter surgery is safe for puppies and kittens as young as eight to 10 weeks old. And it’s a fact that spaying and neutering are the best means to help control the thousands of unwanted litters born every year. Most of these unwanted litters end up in traditional shelters and are euthanized because nobody wants them.

So, in the meantime, if you or someone you know needs help with the cost of these surgeries for your pet, here are two resources. First is the Nevada Humane Society located at 2825-B Longley Lane in Reno. For the remainder of this month, they are offering to neuter male dogs and cats for only $20! To qualify, all you need to do when making the appointment is say “Happy Neuter Year.” (PetSmart Charities sponsor this project, and 500 neuterings were initially offered).

Call 775-856-2000, ext. 333, and ask if appointments for this special price are still available (I apologize for not getting this good deal out earlier, but I learned of it after last week’s article was sent to the LVN.) If appointment slots have been filled for this special, ask about their “regular” charges, which are still low cost for both spaying and neutering.

The second organization offering low-cost spaying/neutering is the SPCA of Northern Nevada located at 401 Vine St. in Reno. Their program costs $55 for spay or neuter (again, a low fee), but there are certain requirements and additional charges. To see if you qualify, CAPS recommends that you call to find out more information: 775-324-7773, ext. 406.

Going full circle and returning to SNAPS, our low-cost spay/neuter program, we’ll let our community know as soon as it is operational again. Check for that announcement in this column, our website (www.capsnv.org) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society).

Though we’ve run out of low-cost spay/neuter vouchers, we have plenty of winter ware (long-sleeved T-shirts, sweatshirts, pullover hoodies and zippered hoodies) that you may purchase tomorrow at Walmart (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). For those of you looking forward to spring, short-sleeved tees and caps will be available as well.

We’ll also have some mighty fine totes in various sizes to suit your different needs. We’re hoping that the small (but tasty) variety of baked goods will tempt you. Have you bought your 2014 calendar yet? Even if you have, you really need to take a look at our 2014 Happy Endings calendar — it’s stunning! A bargain at only $10, all proceeds directly benefit the dogs and cats in our care, the shelter guests.

If you can’t make it to see us tomorrow, you can buy the calendar at the shelter during normal business hours (Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.) or from these fine merchants: Mutts, etc., The UPS Store; Red Zinnia, The Family Pet Connection and Flower Tree Nursery.

Ki the Kissing Pooch, our longest-serving four-legged volunteer, will, of course, be hanging out with his fans and friends tomorrow. Ki, who started out as a shelter guest before he found his forever home, believes in paying it forward and does this by offering kisses and nuzzles on our Walmart Saturdays. Though this affection-giving is free, Ki just loves it when a monetary donation is made; after all, he once was an “insider” and knows how much good it does for the shelter guests. So, don’t be shy, and stop by to say “Hi,” particularly to Ki.

This week’s article was contributed by Betty Duncan, a member of the CAPS board of directors.