Free spay-neuter and vaccine clinics close opportunity gaps
The other day, I worked the line at Spay Neuter Network’s free vaccine clinic at Brackenridge Park. As part of their grand-opening celebration, they offered free spay-neuter surgeries, vaccines and microchips, thanks to support from local foundations, businesses and the city of San Antonio Animal Care Services. I got to meet many pet owners and answer questions about pet care. The first people in line, Richard and Chyanne Perdue, told me they arrived at 3:30 a.m. with their four dogs, Raven, Castiel, Popper and Mochi. I asked why they had gotten there so early when the clinic didn’t start until 8 a.m.
“We heard it was first come, first served, and a limited number of vaccines,” Richard said. “As much as San Antonio’s grown lately, we didn’t know if these vaccines would all be gone within the hour. As much as we love them, pets are another expense, and nowadays, everything is so expensive. For us, it’s financial. Minimum wage jobs don’t cover it. Getting a chance to get all of our pets taken care of for free was worth getting up early to be first in line.”
For the past two decades, the animal welfare field has told people what to do to be responsible pet owners. Sterilize your pet, provide them vaccinations, give them flea, tick and heartworm preventatives, and train and socialize them to be good canine citizens. But let’s be honest, not everyone has the resources to take care of their pet’s health in the same way. People who face financial challenges don’t have pet health insurance. These same individuals often live in veterinary deserts – areas of town with little to no access to affordable veterinary care. These chal
lenges can be stressful for people who love their pets and just want to care of them like we have asked them to do.
That’s why nonprofits need grants and business support
for these free services and why families like the Perdues impress me. They take their role as pet caretakers seriously and are willing to show up at 3:30 a.m. to ensure all four of their dogs are up to date on their vaccinations for the year. Kudos to him and to the pet parents of the other 147 dogs and
cats who stood in line to get the free vaccines and microchips for their pets that day.
Spay-neuter clinics and humane societies host free spay-neuter and vaccine clinics to close opportunity gaps for pet owners. While I consult with Spay Neuter Network and helped launch this new clinic
in San Antonio, pet parents can find low-cost resources at other area clinics as well, including SNAP (Spay Neuter Assistance Program), Hill Country League Low-cost Spay-neuter Clinic, San Antonio Wellness Spay-neuter Clinic, the San Antonio Humane Society and the Animal
Defense League. If you need help, follow these groups on social media so you know about their next free spayneuter or vaccine clinic.
Send your pet questions, tips and stories to cathy@petpundit.com. You can follow her on Twitter at @cathymrosenthal.