S.N.I.P. Clinic’s 2nd Phase, Increases Goal to 11,000 Spays/Neuters

April 9, 2008 (Louisville, Ky.) A spay or neuter surgery takes less than a half hour to complete, but the benefits last more than a lifetime -- preventing thousands of dogs and cats from suffering in the future. The Kentucky Humane Society’s (KHS) S.N.I.P. Clinic is launching its second phase to further combat the local pet overpopulation crisis and meet community demand for low-cost spay/neuter services. The area’s only full-time, public spay/neuter clinic is increasing its 2008 goal to 11,000 surgeries.

Opened in February 2007, the S.N.I.P. Clinic met its goal of completing more than 6,000 surgeries on owned canines and felines in its first year of operations. That, coupled with 5,412 adoptable pets who were altered in 2007, means KHS spayed or neutered more than 11,000 pets last year alone. This year, the total is expected to be 16,000 or more.

However, according to S.N.I.P. Clinic Director Lindsy Wallace, the need for low-cost spay/neuter continues to be prevalent in Louisville and surrounding areas. The high-quality, high-volume clinic receives more than 60 phone calls per day, which had forced the staff to schedule appointments six to seven weeks in advance. In response to the community’s demand, KHS decided to initiate the clinic’s second phase -- doubling equipment and staff -- ahead of schedule by one full year.

“There will still be a need for low-cost spay/neuter until pet overpopulation is eradicated,” said Wallace. “We needed to offer a proactive solution that would allow us to meet our clients’ needs and impact animals’ lives on an even larger scale.”

Thanks to private donations and a $25,000 PetSmart Charities grant, the S.N.I.P. Clinic was able to purchase additional veterinary equipment, as well as add new medical staff, including two part-time veterinarians and two part-time veterinary assistants. Now, the clinic will double its number of surgeries per day, as well as schedule appointments only one to two weeks in advance.

“Eliminating euthanasia of adoptable pets is our ultimate goal,” said Lori Kane Redmon, KHS President. “ And only through high-volume spay/neuter, continuous education and increased adoptions will we be able to accomplish just that.”



The S.N.I.P. Clinic, located at 2445 Crittenden Drive in Louisville, Ky., is open Monday through Friday. Appointments must be scheduled in advance. Low-cost surgery prices range from $35 to $65. Financial aid is also available. For more information, click here or call (502) 636-FIX1 [3491].

KHS, awarded the top four-star rating by Charity Navigator, advocates the humane treatment of all companion animals through leadership and proactive solutions to pet overpopulation.

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