We are very pleased, and proud to announce that Animal Friends of Barbour County is now offering canine spay/neuter assistance to low income families in Barbour County.
Through an endowment fund established by a caring and generous friend (who wishes to remain anonymous), and in cooperation with the Barbour County Veterinary Clinic, we are now able to offer financial assistance to low income County residents who want to have their dogs spayed or neutered. Residents can apply to our organization for a spay certificate that costs $35, or a neuter certificate that costs $30, and have the surgery performed at the Barbour County Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Thompson, who owns the clinic, was very happy to join us in this effort to reduce the number of puppies born each year in Barbour County. Currently, the program is limited to dogs, however we hope to have funding available for cats in the near future.
Residents who apply for the certificates will be required to show proof of their low income status and will also be asked to present proof that their dogs have a current county dog license and a current rabies vaccination. If the dog is not licensed, or does not have a current rabies vaccination (both of which are required by county code), these things can be obtained through our organization for an additional nominal fee. The program is limited to one dog per family per year.
Our volunteers have long known that one of the keys to helping reduce the numbers of unwanted puppies in our county lies with being able to provide financial assistance to families who love their pets, but can't afford to have them surgically altered. And while we know that it will take time to see an actual reduction in the numbers of unwanted puppies, we are excited at the prospect of finally being able to take action on this problem. During 2005, our volunteers placed over 200 puppies that were surrendered to the county shelter by local residents. It not only took a tremendous amount of time and effort to place these pups, but many of them were sick with diseases like parvovirus and coccidia, which are costly to treat on a financial level and emotionally devastating to our volunteers, as many puppies die from these diseases.
If you are a low income Barbour County resident and you would like more information about this program, you may inquire via e-mail by clicking on the button below.
