Spay/Neuter Mobile Unit offers low-cost services for local pets

Photo by Jack Reynolds

Friends of the Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter  has reserved the Associated Humane Societies’ Spay/Neuter Mobile Unit for Wednesday, Sept. 19, at the Popcorn Park Zoo, located at 1 Humane Way in Forked River. The “veterinary unit on wheels” will give local dog and cat owners and feral cat feeders who are looking to spay or neuter their pets, younger than 5, the chance to do so for a low-cost rate. The charge for a female dog is $95, and $85 for a male dog. The charge for a female cat is $75, for a male cat $65.

Micro-chipping, flea/worm treatments, nail clipping, leukemia- and feline-immunodeficiency-virus testing and vaccinations are also offered at reduced rates.

“It’s a significant savings for people who haven’t gotten around to having their pets spayed or neutered yet. The savings are at least several hundred dollars compared to other veterinary offices,” said Linda Bonvie, a local resident who has been volunteering with FOSOCAS for the past four years. “Going back a few years, I’ve spent $300, $400, $500 dollars for my pets to be spayed or neutered. So the program does offer a good savings, and hopefully it will promote and encourage people who have not yet had their pets spayed or neutered, to do so,” she added.

The veterinary mobile unit is fully equipped with everything necessary for surgeries and treatments. It is staffed by the Associated Humane Societies’ fully licensed veterinarians and veterinarian technicians who have been trained by the ASPCA in New York, which has run an effective mobile spay-neuter program for more than 10 years.

The unit was in town for the first time in March, when FOSOCAS, along with the help of the Harvey Cedars Police Department, area volunteers and representatives from animal protection agencies, hosted a trap-neuter-return event to help reduce the number of feral cats living in the area. This month’s event invites all cat and dog owners and feeders to take advantage of the program.

“Spaying or neutering is probably one of the most important health decisions you can make to create a happy life for your pet,” said Bonvie. “It’s very beneficial for female pets because they have far fewer uterine infections and breast cancers if they’re spayed before their first heat. Typically, a spayed cat or dog is less likely to roam or try to escape.  It’s also very good for male dogs and cats, as well. It definitely improves behavior,” she explained.

Anyone interested in reserving a spot for their pet at the event needs to make a reservation. To do so, call Linda Bonvie at 609-892-5678. Only 20 spots are available. Animals should not consume food or water after 10 the previous night. Cats (in carriers) and dogs should be brought to Popcorn Park at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the event. Pickup will be sometime between 1 and 4 p.m. the same day. Associated Humane Societies veterinary technicians will call owners around midday to verify a time. For more information, visit fosocas.org, or dial 609-978-0127.

FOSOCAS is planning another spay-neuter clinic in October.



This article was published in The SandPaper.