|
Scroll down for low-cost spay/neuter programs!
Bear in mind that some Spay/Neuter or TNR clinics are run by volunteers, and the fees that are requested barely
cover the costs of surgical supplies, vaccines, medications, and other necessities to keep the program running. Donations,
even if you can only spare a few dollars extra, will ensure that these low-cost programs continue to operate.
Volunteers
are always needed, as are supplies such as old towels, sheets, blankets, pet food, litter, toys, etc.
Each program
offers different services for their fees, and you should request the fee for EVERY service that you need, or may be interested
in. Such as:
Fee for Surgery (some program have different fees for spaying a female, or neutering a male (dog,
or cat).
Is there a fee for dissolvable sutures? (Always recommended for feral cats). Is there a fee to remove
sutures?
Are there Fees for Vaccinations? (Rabies, Distemper, Feline Leukemia, FIV (not recommended), parvo, or
other canine vaccinations)?
Are there Fees for Testing? (FELV - Feline Leukemia, and/or FIV, for cats, and Heartworm
(for dogs)?
Will they ear-tip feral cats?
Are there additional fees for flea treatment, worming, ear
mites? Will they clip nails?
Do they Microchip, and what are the fees?
Will they spay a pregnant female?
Do they provide "early" spay/neuter services? Many programs will spay or neuter kittens if they are
at least 8 weeks old, or weigh 2 lbs. or more?
Some spay/neuter programs may require a veterinary exam before
scheduling the surgery. Ask if that is a separate fee and if that is required for feral cats that will be trapped.
Many programs do not hold the animals overnight after surgery. If you need overnight care, ask if they will board the animal
and what their fee would be, per night.
When signing the Agreement to Perform Surgery, most of the forms have
a clause that ask if you will give permission to the veterinarian to perform other medical services (that he/she may deem
necessary for the health of the animal). Either do not give this permission, or ask if you can be contacted and informed of
any additional costs that may raise your fee. It only makes sense that if you are looking for low cost programs because you
are either sterilizing multiple cats, or because you are in a low-income bracket, that you do not want to pick up your cat
and learn that you have an unexpected, exorbitant bill to pay.
FERAL CATS - some questions to ask:
If
I am bringing in a cat in a trap, can I have the cat placed in my pet carrier after surgery so that I can place the cat (within
it's carrier) in a prepared post-op recovery cage? This is especially important for female feral cats who should remain
confined for 3 - 5 days. Male cats can remain in the trap overnight after surgery and released the next day, if necessary
(though holding the male for at least one day is preferred).
What if I can't trap the feral cat?
How long should you withhold food and water before scheduled surgery?
|
