Spay Neuter Jackson County

News

Friday, 31 January 2020 14:08

February is National Spay and Neuter Awareness month, and Spay/Neuter Jackson County Alabama (SNJCA) is trying to spread the word in hopes that citizens have their pets spayed and neutered before spring and summer months, when there is a large population of unwanted kittens and puppies. Along with their regular spay and neuter programs, they have added some extra events. This 2020, they will be entering into their fourth year helping citizens in Jackson County with their pets. In 2019, they helped 465 residents get their dogs and cats spayed or neutreed with their help. This brings them to a total of 1,193 in almost three years. Animal shelters kill nearly 2.7 million cats and dogs each year – many of whom are healthy and adoptable – because there are not enough homes, and there is a lack of public awareness. This tragic overpopulation of pets costs citizens and taxpayers millions of dollars annually. Spaying and neutering your pets is a proven way to drastically reduce the over-population of pets, feral cats, save animal lives and taxpayer dollars. Spaying and neutering pets helps them live longer, healthier lives, helping ensure every pet has a loving family. SNJCA has two ways to help Scottsboro and Jackson County residents. They have a low-income voucher program, and to qualify, you must have a yearly household income of $40,000 or less, be on welfare, Social Security, Medicaid, food assistance or unemployment. You can obtain an application for this program from their website at spayneuterjcal.org or call 256-299-9726, or send them a message for an application through their Facebook page. The surgery cost for a cat is $30 and $40 for a dog. This cost also includes a rabies vaccine (if needed), which is required by Alabama state law. After your application is approved, you will be mailed a voucher that is accepted at four county veterinarians. They include: Phillip’s Small Animal Clinic and Rolling Pet Mobile Vet in Scottsboro; Mountain Top Animal Clinic in Pisgah; Mud Creek Vet Services in Stevenson. SNJCA is extremely grateful to these local animal clinics for partnering with them to help those in our community who cannot afford spay and neuter medical procedures and also eliminate the high stray and unwanted pet population in Jackson County. In addition to their low income voucher program, SNJCA also provides transportation once a month to low cost spay and neuter clinics. They transport to Southern Alliance, located in Fayetteville, Tenn. and North Alabama Spay Neuter in Huntsville. The transports are open to everyone; there are no income or county restrictions. The transport dates and all related information, inluding prices, are posted on their Facebook page a month or so prior to the day. SNJCA only charges the clinic fees, so there is no fee for the transport. For the month of February, they plan a dog and cat transport for the 12th and a cat transport for the 16th. On February 21st, they will have their sixth “No More Cattin’ Around” male cat neuter event, that is partnered with Rolling Pet Mobile Vet. To obtain an application for this event, message their Facebook page or stop by Rolling Pet at 806 West Willow Street in Scottsboro. On January 23, 2020, Scottsboro City Mayor Robin Shelton is signing a proclamation making February “Spay and Neuter Awareness Month” for the city of Scottsboro. In the proclamation, he is encouraging all residents to have their pet(s) spayed or neutered and to support SNJCA’s efforts. SNJCA is currently collecting donations for an upcoming yard sale in April and a silent auction fundraiser in August. If you would like to donte items for the yard sale or silent auction, please call 256-299-9726 and leave a message. Spay Neuter Jackson County Alabama is always in need of volunteers to help with events, outreach and education. If you are interested, please call 256-299-9726. They are a non-profit and also need donations. You can donate through Facebook or mail to SNJCA, P.O. Box 972, Scottsboro, Ala. 35768. Since SNJCA is an approved 501(c)(3) charity, cash donations are fully tax deductible with the IRS determination.