Got a client with a pet? The Santa Maria Valley Humane Society has announced The Big Fix, a new program that provides free spaying or neutering and rabies vaccinations for pets in income-qualified families. The free services are provided to pets in families receiving needs-based public assistance programs including MediCal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, BIA General Relief, WIC, SSI/SSD, Section 8, and VA Major Disability. Read on to learn more, and let your clients know!
Appointments for spay/neuter surgery are required and can be made by calling 349-3435, ext. 2. Surgery is performed Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at the Gary & Lyn Hock Spay & Neuter Clinic, 1687 W. Stowell Road, Santa Maria.
“The Big Fix” is made possible by a generous Santa Barbara County donor who recognizes the importance of altering dogs and cats in families who could not otherwise afford veterinary services. “Spaying or neutering pets not only prevents homeless puppies and kittens from being born but the surgery also eliminates certain cancers and infections,” says Sean Hawkins, Executive Director for Santa Maria Valley Humane Society. “Many pet owners want to do the right thing by spaying or neutering their pets but cannot afford often expensive services at a private practice veterinarian. Spaying or neutering these pets reduces pet overpopulation, ultimately saving more animal lives.” The surgery also can also reduce at pet's spraying/marking, roaming, and aggression.
Proof of participation in one of the above listed needs-based public assistance programs is required. Pet owners whose pets are already vaccinated should bring proof or rabies vaccination with them to the clinic. Pets without proof of vaccination will be inoculated against rabies free of charge as part of the program. Only animals who are being spayed or neutered can be vaccinated through this special program. Additional vaccinations, deworming, and identification with a microchip are available for a nominal cost.