What We Know: The Branson Humane Society is making some changes to keep its low-cost spay and neuter clinic operating.
What It Means: The organization says it will temporarily focus adoptions mainly on cats, with only an occasional dog. It will also reduce staffing and adoption center hours.
Director Jayme Tabuchi says the savings will be redirected to Snip City, the Humane Society’s low-cost spay and neuter clinic.
The clinic previously received veterinary support through the BISSELL Pet Foundation, but Tabuchi says the program was losing thousands of dollars a day.
What’s Next: Humane Society leaders believe putting more resources into prevention can have a larger impact. Tabuchi says taking in dogs could have helped about 61 dogs this year. Through Snip City, however, roughly 1,700 pets have already been spayed or neutered, helping prevent unwanted litters that could eventually end up in shelters.
The clinic charges $65 for cats and $75 for dogs, including two vaccines. Other low-cost services, including heartworm testing and ear cleaning, can be added.
Tabuchi says for some animals, the appointment is also their first real examination by a veterinarian.
She stresses the reduction in dog adoptions is temporary.
Once Snip City becomes financially stable, the Humane Society hopes to bring back more dog adoptions and eventually return the adoption center to six-day-a-week operations.
Leaders are also looking ahead. Tabuchi says the Humane Society would eventually like to expand its affordable veterinary services to include dental care.
More information is available through the Branson Humane Society website.
(Photo provided by Branson Humane Society)