Posted: October 27, 2008, 5 a.m. EDT
The coordinators of a new program designed for low-income Wisconsin pet owners say their mission is to make high-quality spay-neuter services accessible, both geographically and financially.
Spay Wisconsin was recently launched by the Wisconsin Humane Society to connect low-income residents across the state with a low-cost, high-quality spay-neuter clinic in their area. The program works with a network of about 45 clinics available to serve callers, said Jill Kline, Spay Wisconsin coordinator.
“We introduced Spay Wisconsin because we believe spay/neuter benefits the animal, his or her family, and our communities as a whole,” she said. “We strive to end animal suffering by reducing the number of unwanted litters and enhancing animal health. By creating a strong network and centralized, toll-free hot line and website, interested individuals are able to quickly access accurate information on high quality, low-cost spay-neuter services.”
According to a 2006 Family Health Survey conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, there are 1,368,000 Wisconsin residents at or near the poverty line. Many of these residents have companion animals and can’t afford the cost of spay or neuter surgery.
The network offers different types of programs, including private veterinarians and high-volume, public clinics. The price of spay/neuter varies by region.
The network welcomes any new provider who is willing to offer low-cost spay/neuter for Spay Wisconsin callers who meet the specifications met by the clinic, Kline said. Guidelines for who can take advantage of services are set by each individual provider and include income restrictions.
“Our staff works with each Spay Wisconsin caller to find a program that is the best match for that caller,” she said.
State residents can access Spay Wisconsin services at 877-510-7387.