Final Report and Recommendations

Animal Sheltering Options to Reduce Euthanasia Rate and a Potential Spay/Neuter Ordinance and/or Incentives.

Mission Statement

Cary is a pet/animal friendly community.  We embrace families with pets and support responsible pet ownership.

Introduction and Background

The Animal Issues Task Force was formed in June 2008 by the Cary Town Council to examine and deliver recommendations to staff and the Council on two items:

1.       Animal sheltering options to reduce the euthanasia rate.

2.       A potential spay/neuter ordinance and or incentives to increase voluntary spaying and neutering by the citizens of their animals.

The 13-member Task Force met weekly for eight weeks to discuss these issues.  The findings of the Task Force on these items are detailed in this report.

1.       Sheltering Options

The Task Force was asked to look at specific actions that the Wake County Animal Shelter had to complete before their services could be considered by Cary.  Those specific actions were:

1.       100% euthanasia by injection

2.       100% pre-adoption sterilization

3.       Development of a foster program

Regarding item #1, 100% euthanasia by injection, the Task Force was in unanimous agreement that this goal has been achieved.  The gas chamber previously used by the Shelter has been removed and is no longer operational.

For item #2, 100% pre-adoption sterilization, the Task Force was also in unanimous agreement that based on the single month of data available, this program has been implemented.  Concerns were raised that this program is not yet mature and there is no clear data to address the long-term sustainability of the program.

For item #3, development of an animal foster program by the county, a majority of the Task Force members were satisfied that the county has implemented a program.  One member voted in the negative specifically because the member felt that there were an insufficient number of foster families in the program.  All of the Task Force members agreed that while the county has implemented this program, there is little to no data with which to evaluate the effectiveness or sustainability of the program as it has only been in place for one month.

While the Task Force finds Wake County to currently be in compliance with the three specific areas to be addressed, many concerns were raised about the lack of maturity and sustainability of the foster-to-adopt and 100% pre-adoption sterilization programs.  The Task Force acknowledges that the County has made tremendous strides forward in a very short time, but there is no data on which to base any substantive and reliable evaluation at this time.

Additionally, members of the Task Force expressed concerns with the humane treatment and socialization of animals with respect to the Wake County Animal Center.  Members felt that it was important for Wake County to make progress in both areas before the Town agreed to send our animals there.  It is clear that there is a very high standard of care that citizens of Cary expect for any animals we send to a shelter.  The SPCA program is one that the Wake County Animal Center could use as a model.

By a unanimous vote, the Animal Issues Task force makes the following recommendation pertaining to sheltering services:

Cary Animal Issues Task Force recommends that the Town of Cary continue its current contract with the SPCA for fiscal year 2009 and re-evaluate after that year to move to Wake County with the following additional considerations:

1.       Increase interaction and socialization and provide compassionate care to the animals, including attentiveness to dog walks, litter boxes, etc.

2.       Improve adoptability process:

-recruit and retain more volunteers

-work collaboratively with the SPCA by sharing the adoption center and/or developing their own adoption center model

3.       Reduce euthanasia rate (by creating a program with clear goals and then allow the Town to evaluate)

4.       Improve the design of the facility, primarily addressing the heating and cooling features of the building.

The Task Force recognizes that this will create an additional cost to the Town for the coming year, but feels that this is a necessary step to ensure that the level of service and standard of care for the animals sheltered is sufficient to meet the expectations of the Cary citizens. The Wake County SPCA has agreed to work with the Wake County animal center to achieve the objectives.

2.       Mandatory Spay/Neuter Ordinance vs. Incentives

Given the diverse background and the wealth of knowledge brought to this process by the members of this Task Force, the issue of ordinances versus incentives was addressed through a series of brainstorming sessions.  These sessions were conducted with the goal of developing ideas for ways of reducing the number of animals that are sent to shelters and thereby reducing the number of animals euthanized.

All of the suggestions fell into one of 10 categories as shown below.  All of the suggestions given in each area are listed on Appendix 2.

·         Enforcement of existing Animal Ordinances

·         Education

·         Continued oversight

·         Licensing / Registration / Incentives

·         Volunteerism

·         Animal Control Practices and Policies / Ordinances

·         Low cost options for spay/neuter services

·         Feral cat issues

·         Funding of programs

·         Local Pet Shop Regulation

After an exhaustive list of suggestions was developed in each category, each member of the Task Force was given three votes to cast for whatever areas he or she thought would best serve both the needs of the animals and citizens of Cary.  Each member could use more than one vote in a subject area if they felt that topic warranted extra weight.  In other words, if a Task Force member felt that Education was the single most critical area on which to focus, they could cast one, two, or all three of their votes for Education.  Before voting began, the Task Force acknowledged that Continued oversight and Feral cat issues were items to be removed from the list as they were item that were critical in their own right and should be considered separately.

Voting resulted in identifying the top three areas on which to focus resources:

1.       Education (10 votes)

2.       Licensing/registration including incentive based programs (6 votes)

3.       Low cost spay/neuter programs (6 votes)

It is important to note that the Animal Issues Task Force does not recommend that the Town of Cary implement and mandate spay/neuter at this time.  It is the consensus of the Task Force that far greater gains can be made in reducing the number of animals euthanized through coordinated programs of citizen education, incentives, and awareness of low cost spay/neuter options that are available to people who qualify.  These three components listed above are all pieces that work together to inform the public while at the same time influencing their behavior for the good of the Town and the animals.

Education 

The Task Force believes that public education is the first key in helping Cary citizens understand the importance and benefits of voluntary spaying and neutering of their pets.   We believe the number of animals surrendered to the shelters will be reduced if more people know what it means to be a responsible pet owner and how both they and their companion animals will benefit from making good decisions and good choices.

The Task Force invited representatives from the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to visit one of our meetings and share some of the educational materials their organizations offer to the community.  (The Humane Society has similar programs and materials but due to a scheduling conflict their representative was not able to attend our meeting.)  All of the organizations we talked to have ready-made materials suitable for multiple age groups.  These organizations are able and willing to provide these educational materials at a very low cost, or, in some cases, free.  The Task Force recommends that the Town partner with existing community resources when developing education programs for the Town.  A lot of excellent materials already exist that the Town can and should leverage in the form of partnerships.

Some suggestions that the Task Force brought forward in the area of education and how to get the information into the hands of Cary citizens include:

·         Utilizing Cary TV / Public Service Announcements

·         Including information in welcome packages

·         Dedicated space on the Town’s website for animal issues

·         BUD Newsletter articles

·         Expanded coverage of animal issues on the Citizen’s Guide to Services

·         Expansion of the Block Captain program to include animal issues education

·         Making any materials generated by the Town available to veterinarian offices and other retail operations

·         A Focus on programs that can be administered in the schools so that local children can take the information home to their parents

·         A presence at Lazy Daze / Spring Daze events

·         Kiosks at public locations that connect with information about animals available at local shelters and rescue groups

·         Educational programs about animal care through the Town’s community centers/speakers’ bureau

The information in any Animal Issues Education Plan should not be limited to spaying and neutering.  While spaying and neutering is crucial to controlling the pet overpopulation, we believe the Town should not stop there in developing educational materials for Cary residents.  For example, explaining the benefits of micro-chipping animals to increase the likelihood that they can be returned to owners when lost could be an area where education would help.  Additionally, helping people find resources for animals with behavioral issues should be explored as behavioral issues are a leading reason given when people surrender their animals to the shelters.

A concerted effort needs to be made to clear-up many misconceptions about the current laws regarding pets in Cary.  For example, real estate agents today still tell perspective buyers that there is a two dog limit in the Town.  Bad information such as this further reduces compliance with registration of pets.

The opportunities for education are numerous, but we feel the combination of education and incentives will do the most to reduce the number of animals turned over to shelters while also increasing the number of animals currently spayed or neutered.

Incentives / Licensing and Registration

The Task Force recommends that the Town implement incentives in conjunction with its licensing and registration activities.  We recognize that a large number of Cary pets are not registered.  We also know that a registered pet has a better chance of being reunited with its owner.  To further the registration goal, we recommend that the Town develop a non-punitive registration drive.  During a given period of time, people would be able to register their pets with no fear of reprisals. 

To encourage people to spay/neuter their pets, we recommend that the tiered fees for registration be reviewed to ensure that the cost differential is sufficient.  While the cost of an unaltered animal cannot be so high that people simply choose not to register such animals, we do believe that the Town should send a clear message that spaying/neutering is highly recommended.   Working from a base fee, the Town should offer further fee reductions for animals that have been micro-chipped, have completed recognized training programs, etc.  

Dog owners can further be encouraged to spay/neuter by adopting a tiered rate schedule for use of the Dog Park based on whether a dog is altered.

 We also recommend that Animal Control Officers be able to offer on-the-spot animal registration while on duty to further increase registration compliance.

Other suggestions made as part of a registration drive would be for spayed/neutered animals to be registered for free for a defined time period.  While this would not generate revenue, it would increase the chances of lost animals being reunited with their owners.  Every animal that does not go to a shelter is one less animal taking up space and one less animal euthanized.

Other incentives for registering pets suggested by the Task Force include offering discounts and/or gift certificates to local pet related merchants, discounts/coupons for dog training sessions, and drawings for yearly passes to the Town of Cary Dog Park.

The Task Force recommends that any monies collected for registration and other fees be put into a separate account or at least be listed separately so people can see how their registration fees, Dog Park fees, etc. are all being used to support and fund the Animal Issues programs put in place by the Town.  The more people understand that by complying with the rules and regulations, the more they help reduce the number of animals surrendered and euthanized, the more successful all of the Town’s animal related programs will be.

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Options

The third topic area that the Task Forces found to be critical to the success of any voluntary spay/neuter program is the availability of low-cost options for citizens who want to have their animals altered, but may lack the financial resources to do so.  Cary is fortunate to have a number of such programs available to its citizens.  The Task Force recommends that the Town maintain a current list of these resources and make the information available to the residents as part of the overall Animal Issues Education Plan.  Appendix 2 contains a current list of several programs in the area that can be utilized by Cary residents.  We recommend that Town staff utilize this list as a starting point for developing a pool of resources for low cost spay/neuter options.  It is important to note that many of the programs listed do not have income restrictions.  These programs will allow and encourage people who may not wish to pay the full amount that they may be charged by their vet to still get their animals spayed or neutered.

By partnering with organizations that currently offer low-cost options, the Town can provide both a valuable service to the residents of Cary and also directly impact the number of people who have their animals spayed/neutered.  The more animals that are spayed/neutered now, the fewer animals wind up in a shelter later.  

The Task Force also suggests that staff consider grant opportunities and pet licensing fees as potential funding sources for the spay/neuter programs.  Members also suggest that the Town focus on public/private partnerships with local rescue groups as a way to leverage the resources and experience already available.

3.       Feral Cats

Feral cats were discussed as a separate issue.  Many members of the Task Force have worked directly with organizations that deal with feral cats and are quite knowledgeable about the problem.   Since roughly 80 feral cats were euthanized in the Cary police department clinic in 2007, the Task Force believes that this is a topic that requires its own set of recommendations and suggestions.  Current literature and personal experience shown by Task Force members show that managing a feral cat colony by trapping, spaying/neutering and vaccinating, and then releasing the feral cats back to the colony is often more effective than simply attempting to eradicate the colony.  The colony exists because there are resources such as food water that are readily available.  Removal of the colony often simply allows another colony of cats to move in.

After much discussion, the Animal Issues Task Force unanimously approved the following recommendations pertaining to feral cats:

1.       Recommends that the Town consider providing a trap depot/supplies depot (solicit supplies - require deposits for traps)

2.       Recommends that the Town consider identifying resources (i.e., maintaining a list of volunteers) that can help with the feral cat population

3.       Recommends that the Town consider providing funds for spay/neuter and vaccines

4.       Recommends that the Town consider helping with arranging spay/neuter discounts and spay/neuter days

5.       Recommends that the Town consider a community-wide feral cat education program to help inform citizens about this issue and how undertaking certain measures will improve the problem and potentially alleviate any perceived threats from this cat population

6.       Recommends that the Town consider reversing its current policy/practice on feral cats and consider developing a more feral-friendly policy/practice that will help reduce the problem in the community.

4.       Monitoring and Citizen Involvement

None of the recommended programs or plans of action can operate in a vacuum.   Animal issues are passionate subjects for many Cary citizens.  The development of good metrics with continued monitoring is the only solid way to measure the effectiveness any new programs.

The Task Force has repeatedly been told by the members of the public who have attended our meetings that they are encouraged by what they are seeing.  They, as well as members of this Task Force, have expressed a sincere desire to see the Town form a permanent Town Board dedicated to addressing animal issues.  Given that we are suggesting many new programs that need to be developed, implemented, and monitored, it would seem to be in the best interest of the Town to consider forming such  a board.    It is clear from the interest expressed by people wanting to be on this Task Force that there will be no shortage of volunteers.  It would seem to be a very effective way to continue to leverage the passion and knowledge of many Cary citizens who are already actively engaged in all areas of animal welfare.

Appendix 1 – All Categorized Suggestions of the Animal Issues Task Force

The following information is provided as background on all topic areas identified by the Task Force in their brainstorming sessions.  The three topics they felt were the most important--education, licensing/registration, and low cost spay/neuter programs--are addressed in detail in the body of the report.

Enforcement of Leash Laws and All Animal Ordinances:  

Education:

·         Public Service Announcements (PSAs), brochures

·         At schools

·         welcome package to include information on animal ordinance

·         Town of Cary website to include information for newcomers: access to current laws, list local shelters and rescue groups, licensing requirements, local resources available for behavioral problems

·         BUD newsletter, BUD TV,  utility bill

·         public places (stores, real estate offices, libraries, vet offices, tax offices)

·         Town guide to services

·         offer space at Lazy Daze and/or other town events or to waive fees to rent a room at a Town of Cary facility, for example Herb Young Community Center or Bond Park

·         low cost spay and neuter, vaccination options available for a broader spectrum

·         Vaccinations

·         Outreach – elderly, homeless, low income

·         Feral cats- inform/educate public on what they can do

·         door to door visits/telephone surveys

·         door hangers with specific information on pet owner responsibilities

·         miracle of life - other ways to share this with kids

·         reality based euthanasia- publish rates and faces of those euthanized

Continued oversight:

·         ongoing evaluations

Licensing/registration:

·         on-the-spot licensing (Animal Control, public events, pet stores)

·         offer at town events

·         where to sell

·         offer free for neutered pets

·         offer differential licensing fees

·         mandate a surrender fee to offer incentives/motivators - gift certificate to a pet shop, dog training session, free pass to the dog park, rebate with proof of sterilization, one year licensing free or at a reduced rate

·         non punitive registration drive

·         grace periods (offer either free or at a reduced rate until a certain date)

·         general fund issue

·         benefit of registered/micro-chipped animals are held by Animal Control in the clinic

·         link microchip to Cary registration

·         rabies/registration linked to tax/utility bill for direct billing

·         sell at local veterinarian offices, pet stores and rescue groups

Animal Control Practices/Policies:

·         Cary strays that animal control pick up posted to the Town of Cary website, local sheltering

·         rabies shot records - linked to tax records – linked to license fee billed

·         free spay/neuter in certain cases / people will take advantage if known program

·         fund for problem citizens

Low costs for spay/neuter:

·         income based

·         no cost programs

·         volunteer vets/clinics

·         mobile service- each neighborhood

·         exceptions made for unsafe surgery, due to health, development, age

Feral cats:

·         public health risk, environmental risks

·         public education

·         create a model written feral cat policy

Cash incentives:

·         spay/neuter animals

·         bully dogs/pets

Funding:

·         grants (Maddie’s fund)

·         designated versus general fund (fees go to low cost spay/neutering or education programs or something to benefit animals)

·         fund raisers

·         spay/neuter/rabies/ registration clinics

·         goal of profit

·         corporate funding/sponsoring

·         separate budgets

·         charge for excessive animal control visits for violations

Volunteerism:

·         foster care facilities

·         neighborhood block captains – citizen volunteers to distribute materials

Pet Shops:

·         ordinances – mandatory spay/neuter

·         health issues- many animals for sale are too young to have rabies shot

·         consider applicability to rescues groups (how to differentiate)

·         Who regulates pet shops; are there specific statutes?

·         Enforcement of existing laws in reference to puppy mills

·         ‘personal’ property status – can not tell a person what to do with personal property

·         tax to do business in Cary

·         enlist their help regarding the benefits of spay/neutering by distributing literature

Ordinances:

·         animal law consultants to this committee

·         mandatory spay/neuter

·         mandatory microchip

·         release of liability

·         exceptions for unsafe-for-surgery pets

Appendix 2 – Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs – Updated August 8^th, 2008

Note:  All organizations update the information on their Web site on a regular basis as the participating vet offices, fees, criteria, etc. can vary.

(approved by Beth Livingstone at AnimalKind)

www.animalkind.org

PO Box 12568

Raleigh, NC  27605

919-870-1660

Type of organization:  Non-profit

Funding Source: Donations, ReTails Thrift Shop, shopping programs that give back to the program.

Availability:  Year-round; According to Ms. Livingstone: AnimalKind has only had to stop issuing vouchers one time since beginning THE $20 FIX in 2004--and that was in 2006. She does not think that they will ever have to stop again; however, at times they have to be stricter on qualifications and the household limit in certain counties because of limits in funding. 

Fees

The $20 Fix

Applicant receives a voucher and pays $20 directly to the vet/clinic performing the spay/neuter. The applicant can select from a list of providers that is included with the voucher.  All locations include a rabies shot with the fee.

Additional:  all animals must be over three months of age and some weight restrictions may apply.

Other Services:  based on provider and costs are variable. Details on their website.

This is the first year that any county funds (Durham, Orange, Wake) will be going toward THE $20 FIX program, in what is considered a major step for targeted prevention.

If the program has sufficient funding for a given area at any given time, they take into account other factors--medical situations, job loss, etc., and will approve slightly beyond the published threshold incomes, and will alter more than four pets in a household. However, in their case-by-case decisions, they always try to serve the households most in need--those living in poverty or barely above.

Also, they accept referrals from professionals "in the field" (animal shelters, AC officers, social workers, etc) and will waive the requirement for photocopies (Medicaid card or tax returns) if in the professional's best judgment, the household qualifies for their program.

If they believe the $20 co pay is a hardship for a client and may prevent him/her from following through with the surgery, they may reduce or waive the co pay.

If a person's voucher expires, they can extend by phone (rather than requiring another application) unless they have reason to think financial situation has changed.

Income Restrictions

Available for residents of Wake, Durham, Orange, Person or Caswell counties

The total household income falls within those listed in the new application (a copy of the applicant's tax return is required) –OR- Participate in Medicaid (copy of the card is required)

After an applicant is approved, a spay/neuter voucher is mailed within four weeks, along with a list of the veterinary locations or clinics where it can be used. The voucher must be used within three months of the issue date, or a renewal is required. An applicant can receive up to four vouchers per household. A person must already have their voucher from THE $20 FIX before making the vet appointment.

Income restrictions are as follows:

1 person HH - $13,000 or less                 2 person HH - $17,000 or less

3 person HH - $21,000 or less                 4-person HH - $25,000 or less

Availability in Apex/Cary

Ace Hardware in Apex – SNAP-NC Mobile Clinic

Cat Angels – Pet Overpopulation Patrol (POP-NC)

(note:  includes rabies and distemper shots; recommended take-home pain meds are an extra $2 to $5)

AnimalKind sends out details of spay/neuter locations with the vouchers as locations may change. A voucher is good at any of the approved locations, and clients may use them at any participating facility.

The $20 FIX applications are also now available at the Wake County Animal Shelter, and the group will be glad to send these to the Town of Cary and other locations as requested by the town or other agencies. They can also supply the holders for a countertop display.

(approved by Dr. Dawn Flood)

www.carolinamobilespay.com

2637 Langdon Road

Angier, NC  27501

919-906-7729

Type of organization:  Private

Funding source: Through clinic fees

Availability:  Year-round at sites in Wake, Harnett, Johnston and Lee counties; opening a fixed site at the end of the year near McGee Crossroads, off I-40 at Wake, Johnston and Harnett line.

Fees (cash; no checks or credit cards)

$85 – cat

$110 – dogs under 50 lbs.

$140 – dogs over 50 lbs.

Feral friendly; Operation Catnip vouchers. 

*additional fees apply for in heat, pregnant or lactating animals ($30 to $50)

Additional:  includes physical exam, surgical pain meds, rabies, DA2PP or FVRCP (see attached overview flier; provides wellness exams and yearly injections for clients for about $50)

Income Restrictions

None; anyone can use the service

Will accept AnimalKind’s $20 Fix and the SPCA vouchers; Operation Catnip vouchers

Availability in Apex/Cary

Closest location is in Fuquay-Varina at Tractor Supply or Garner at the Agriculture Supply.

(approved by Lisa Kulp at SNAP-NC)

www.snap-nc.org

PO Box 278

New Hill, NC  27562

919-783-7627

Type of organization:  Private, non-profit

Funding source: Donations, client fees, and grants (recently received $200,000 in grants from HSUS and Chrissie’s Fund. Currently operating with two mobile clinics

Availability: Year-round; Triangle and Eastern NC locations; closes for a week in December. 

Fees

$70 – cats

$50 – feral cats

$100 – dogs 8 to 59 lbs.

$125 – dogs over 60 lbs.

Above pricing for anyone; discounted to $20 – cats and $35 – dogs in low-income HHs through their PALS (Prevent Another Litter)

Additional services (available only with spay/neuter):

Microchip for permanent pet identification - $25   

Heartworm testing for dogs  - $15

Heartworm prevention with proof of negative HW test - $35/6-dose box

Frontline applied during surgery - $10

Frontline to go home (3 dose box) - Cats - $35  Dogs - $40

Feline Leukemia / FIV test for cats  - $25

Feline Leukemia vaccine (strongly recommend test first) - $10

Bordatella (kennel cough) vaccine for dogs - $10

Dewormer (2 take home doses per pet) - $10
E-Collar $5  

Services available without surgery: include microchip implant for permanent pet identification - $30; Frontline to go home (3 dose box) - Cats - $35  Dogs - $40

Income Restrictions

None; unless applying through PALS, which include:

Medicaid or WIC card, sole source SS income, Food Stamp or income restrictions:

1 person HH - $17,960 or less

2 person HH - $24,240 or less

3 person HH - $27,468 or less

4-person HH - $33,120 or less

5-person HH - $34,464 or less

Availability in Apex/Cary

Ace Hardware in Apex 

Harris Teeter in Holly Springs

(approved by Meredith Barthelemy of POP-NC)

www.pop-nc.com

1012 King Circle

Chapel Hill, NC 27516

919-942-2250

Type of organization:  Private

Funding Source: Donations, client fees.

Availability:  Year-round in Wake, Chatham, Orange, Durham, Yancey, Person and Alamance counties. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Fees

$70 – female cats, $55 male cats                                          

$95 – dogs (add $15 for dogs over 60 pounds and special circumstances, such as in heat, pregnant) - no lactating fee

DA2PP, FVRCP, Wellness exam and rabies are included in the fees.

About half of their clients are from rescue groups around North Carolina and the other half are general public clients.  They accept lots of vouchers, as well (AnimalKind, Wake Co. SPCA, Friends of Animals, Operation Catnip, Independent Animal Rescue), if the general public clients cannot afford the price.

Income Restrictions

None; unless using AnimalKind voucher and must meet their criteria.

Availability in Apex/Cary

Cat Angels in Cary

(approved by Safe Haven staff )

www.safehavenforcats.org/

8431-137 Garvey Drive

Raleigh, NC  27616

919-872-1128

919-872-7730

Type of organization:  Private, non-profit

Funding source: Donations and client fees

Availability: Year-round, five days a week at location in North Raleigh

Fees

$75 (or less) – all cats

Includes medical exam, FVRCP vaccine, a rabies vaccine and pain meds, ear cleaning, nail trimming

Accepts AnimalKind and SPCA vouchers.   

Additional:

Feline Leukemia & Feline Immunodeficiency Virus - $25

Treatment with Revolution for fleas, worms, ear mites - $15

Six-month treatment with Revolution for fleas, worms, ear mites - $70

Pregnant cats - $10 - $20

Lactating or cryptochid cats - $10 - $20

Microchipping - $25

Soft claws (nail caps) - $20/front paws

Income Restrictions

None; unless using AnimalKind or SPCA vouchers and then have to qualify through those programs.

Availability in Apex/Cary

Location is fixed in North Raleigh

Spay/Neuter certificate

(approved by Paula Santo of FOA)

www.friendsofanimals.org

777 Post Road
Suite 205
Darien, CT 06820
Phone: 203-656-1522

Type of organization: International non-profit animal-advocacy organization

Funding source: membership contributions, bequests, and grants

Availability: Certificates are available and can be purchased year-round on the group’s website or by calling 1-800-321-PETS

Fees

$65 – female cats

$51 – male cats

$90 – female dog

$64 – male dog

Includes routine spay/neuter, cursory surgical pre-exam, anesthesia, surgical procedure, waste disposal, day of surgery post-operative care and pain relief meds, hospitalization as required and stitch removal, if necessary.

Certificates expire one year after date of issue. If not used within a year, the certificate can returned for a refunded, minus a $10 service fee.

Inoculations are not included, and additional fees for pre-diagnosed infections, undescended testicles, animals in heat, pregnancy, dogs over 50 lbs, older animals, take-home medications and blood work may be applied by the participating vet. 

Not valid if the cat is to be declawed.

Income Restrictions

None

Availability in Apex/Cary

No participating vets in Apex/Cary; but accept through POP-NC and SNAP-NC, which have mobile units that come to locations in Apex/Cary.

(approved by Mondy Lamb of SPCA)

www.spcawake.org

200 Petfinder Lane

Raleigh, NC  27603

919-772-2326

Type of organization:  Private, non-profit

Funding source: Donations, grants, adoption fees, fees for service

Availability: Year-round at private vet’s offices, mobile clinics

Fees