Spay Clinic expands low-cost spay/neuter capacity
We have great news! The Alaska SPCA has recently expanded the capacity of its low-cost spay/neuter clinic.
We've got some new equipment, terrific staff, and longer surgery hours. We pledge to do a much better job making our spay/neuter services available to all of you.
Together, we can spay and neuter more animals, and have a greater impact on the inevitable suffering that results from the overpopulation of unwanted pets.
Spay Clinic welcomes new veterinarian
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Paula Schmidt has joined us as our new clinic veterinarian as of October 1, 2011.
Dr. Kelly Reagan returned to his private practice on September 30, 2011.
After
20 years of invaluable service to the Alaska SPCA low-cost spay/neuter
clinic, Dr. Gerald R. Wooldridge has left to work full time at
Alaska Vet Clinic. "Doc" has performed thousands of spay/neuter surgeries at the Alaska SPCA for
Anchorage’s dogs and cats, and has helped prevent untold numbers of
unwanted litters. We were extremely fortunate to have
had his loyal services all these years. We will miss him.
Prevention, NOT Destruction
Our spay-neuter clinic serves the general public with low-cost spay/neuter surgeries to help prevent unwanted litters of dogs and cats. Our clinic staff performs up to 18 surgeries a day, in addition to other basic services.
Surgery fees:
Male Cat Neuter - $45
Male Dog Neuter - $70
Male Rabbit Neuter - $70
Female Cat Spay - $70
Female Dog Spay - $85
Vaccination fees:
Feline Distemper - $10
Feline Leukemia - $12
Feline/Canine Rabies - $15
Canine Bordetella - $12
Canine Distemper/Parvo combination - $16
Other Services:
Feline AVID Microchip* - $20
Canine AVID Microchip* - $30
Feline Leukemia Test - $20
Cat Nail Trim - Free
Dog Nail Trim - $10
Municipal Dog License available
Surgery Requirements:
• Proof of current rabies must be provided, or rabies shot purchased at time of appointment.
• Animals may not weigh less than 2 pounds.
• On a case-by-case basis, animals 5 years or older may be required to have blood work at owner’s expense.
• Surgeries are done by appointment only. Call 907-562-2999.
• Surgeries must be pre-paid by cash or credit card, preferably at the time the appointment is made or within 24 hours. Unfortunately, checks are no longer accepted.
• Animals 1 year of age or older must be spayed or neutered in order to receive any other services.
• Owners must pick up animals at designated time.
*Information about microchips is available by calling 562-2999 or visiting the AVID Microchips FAQ page.
Friends of Pets in Anchorage offers a voucher to help offset the cost of a spay or neuter surgery through their S.N.A.P. program.
What do the terms "Spay" and "Neuter" mean?
Female dogs and cats are "spayed" by removing their reproductive organs, and male dogs and cats are "neutered" by removing their testicles. In both cases the operation is performed while the pet is under anesthesia and in most cases, he or she will stay at the Clinic for only a few hours. Call us and we can explain spay and neuter procedures to you or answer any questions you might have.
Why should I have my pet spayed or neutered?
It's Good for your Pet's Health
• Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.
• Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat.
• Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet is spayed before her first estrous cycle.
• Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate disease.
It's Good For You
• In most cases, spaying and neutering makes pets better, more affectionate companions.
• Neutering cats makes them less likely to spray and mark territory.
• Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle. Estrus lasts an average of six to 12 days, often twice a year, in dogs and an average of six to seven days, three or more times a year, in cats. Females in heat can cry incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male animals.
• Unsterilized animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than do those who have been spayed or neutered.
• Spaying and neutering can make pets less likely to bite.
It's Better For The Community
• Communities spend millions of tax dollars to control unwanted animals.
• Neutering makes pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away, or get into fights.
• Irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of dog bites and attacks.
• Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals.
• Stray pets and homeless animals get into trash containers, defecate in public areas or on private lawns, and frighten or anger people who have no understanding of their misery or needs.
• Some stray animals scare away or kill birds and wildlife.
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SPAY CLINIC
@ A GLANCE
SPCA Spay Clinic
Spay/Neuter Surgeries:
Monday-Friday
(by appointment only)
Call (907) 562-2999
Closed Sat & Sun
Clinic Hours:
Walk-in vaccinations,
microchipping, nails
Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm
Closed Sat & Sun
Spay Clinic Staff:
Dr. Schmidt, D.V.M.
Jamie, Clinic Manager
Shay, Vet Technician
Lori, Vet Assistant
Margaret, Receptionist
Look for this sign off Int'l Airport Road (between Arctic Blvd. and C St.)
Myths & Facts about Spaying & Neutering
Myth:
My pet will get fat and lazy.
Fact:
The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don't give them enough exercise.
Myth:
It's best to let the animal have one litter first.
Fact:
Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier.
Myth:
Children should experience the
miracle of birth.
Fact:
Even if children are able to see a pet give birth – which is unlikely, since it usually occurs at night and in seclusion – the lesson they will really learn is that animals can be created and discarded as it suits adults. Instead, it should be explained to children that the real miracle is life itself, and that preventing the birth of some pets can save the lives of others.
Myth:
It's too expensive
Fact:
Spay or neuter surgery is a one-time cost – and a relatively small cost when compared to all the benefits. Also, consider the costs of having a litter and ensuring the health of the mother and litter; two months of pregnancy and another two months until the litter is weaned; significant veterinary bills if complications of the pregnancy develop; and additional food expenses. Surgery is a small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of the births of more unwanted pets.
Did you know?
Only 10% of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered.
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