Pictured is Ariel, an adoptable cat available at Stray Haven Humane Society and SPCA. (Photo by Jody Luszczek)
Stray Haven Humane Society and SPCA in Waverly, N.Y. is pleased to announce an expansion of their low cost spay and neuter clinics.
In June of 2017, this clinic was started to help people enduring financial hardships or on a fixed income get their dog or cat spayed or neutered. The clinic took place once a month. Partnering with SOS (Shelter Outreach Services) of Ithaca, this is an economical way to help with the pet population.
Now, with the demand being so great, it will start running once a week on Oct. 8.
Kristi Snyder, president of the Board of Directors and volunteer, explained that because the waiting list was so long for spaying or neutering, it helped with the decision to expand the clinic.
Snyder, who has been a volunteer for six years and president of the board for four years, stated, “SOS brings in a mobile van, vet techs and anesthesia. Stray Haven provides the operating room, however, volunteers are desperately needed to help keep the cost of this program at a minimum.”
An appointment form can be downloaded at www.StrayHavenSPCA.org.
Snyder continued, stating, “We can spay and neuter thirty animals in one day working with SOS. The veterinarians and techs are extremely caring, but this service is not an alternative to proper veterinary care.”
Snyder stresses how vital volunteers are to the success of this program.
In addition, Stray Haven is a no kill facility, with room for 25 dogs and 75 cats. But with 144 more cats on the waiting list, there is definitely a demand for their services.
“The cat population is overwhelming,” said Snyder. She also explained that although they may not be able to shelter them, they could offer food for the animals on the waiting list.
“We work with Chemung County SPCA, Broome County SPCA and the Animal Care Sanctuary in Pennsylvania on the adoption process,” Snyder continued to explain, adding, “At times we will take two cats to the Chemung facility and bring two different cats back. Sometimes this is all it takes for them to find their perfect home. The right person at the right place.”
Stray Haven also offers specials at various times of the year. October is Adopt-A-Shelter Dog month with the adoption fee for an adult dog reduced to $100. For the 31 days in October, the adoption fee for an adult cat is $31 or two kittens for $100.
Programs such as Dog Obedience, foster care, Woof Trax, Clear the Shelters Day and Seniors to Seniors, which helps an elderly individual adopt an elderly pet, are also part of the services provided.
Because volunteers are such an integral part of Stray Haven’s operations, there will be an SOS orientation on Monday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. RSVP by calling (607) 565-2859.
Visit StrayHavenSPCA.org for more details.
Congratulations on your expanded low cost spay neuter program. It is exactly what the area needs to increase the efforts to stop the production of unwanted puppies and kittens.