Reduced-Price Spay and Neuter Clinic Coming to Northfield

Low-income families and individuals will have any opportunity next week to get their pet spayed or neutered at a reduced cost.

“This is the first time for us doing anything like this,” said Sheena Basness, a Northfield community services police officer involved in the clinic.

The clinic costs $25 for each pet that is spayed or neutered. The visit also includes a basic checkup. A basic neuter usually costs about $150 and a spay costs around $200, Basness said.

Veterinarians with the Minnesota Spay Neuter Assistance Program are providing the services in a bus converted for this purpose; a grant is covering the costs. MNSNAP was recently in Northfield for a similar program that involved trapping and releasing of feral cats.

Basness said people interested in the clinic have to meet income requirements, which includes a household less than $40,000 or an individual pet owners needs to be on some kind of government assistance. Proof is needed at the clinic.

Similar clinics have been held in Faribault and Morristown and have seen good turnouts, Basness said.

It’s an issue that needs to be tackled in Northfield as well, said Shirley Taggart, an animal advocate and organizer of Northfield’s clinic.

“There is need in every community,” said Taggart, who also blogs on Northfield Patch about animal issues. “Spay and neuter is the only sure way to reduce the number of unwanted pets. Unfortunately, the cost of sterilization puts this procedure on the back burner.”

Eligible animals are dogs and puppies at least 8 weeks old, cats and kittens weighing at least 2 pounds and rabbits and bunnies weighing at least 3 pounds or that are 8 weeks of age, Taggart said.

If there is a good response for Monday’s clinic, more could be done in the future, Basness said.

TO SIGN UP
The clinic is Monday, April 30. You must pre-register. Call Shirley Taggart at 507-685-2393 to reserve a spot.

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