BIG SPRING, TX — The overpopulation of stray dogs is a hot topic in Big Spring and volunteers with Don’t Litter Affordable Spay and Neuter Clinic, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Big Spring, are working hard to manage the stray animal population by offering affordable rates for the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats.
The organization officially opened in September 2021 and since then they have spayed and neutered 803 cats and dogs in Big Spring, but that’s hardly made a dent in the stray animal population. Lisa Garza, Board Member for the organization, told KBest News the number of stray animals, dumped animals, and unwanted pets is at an all-time high.
Garza says she’s been a part of rescues since 2014 and there is nowhere for any strays to go. The local animals shelter and the humane society are full. Rescues, which are homes that foster animals until they can find a home, are also full.
The goal of Don’t Litter Affordable Spay and Neuter Clinic is to lessen the stray animal population by stopping unwanted litters.
A common misconception that is held is that if a female pet is an indoor pet or stays inside a majority of the time it won’t get pregnant, but Garza says that’s not true.
“If you have an unspayed female, there’s no such thing as an accidental litter. It’s gonna happen eventually,” said Garza.
Spaying and neutering for cats ranges from $40-60, and those services for dogs range from $65-130 depending on the weight of the dog. It should be noted that animals must be healthy and be up-to-date on their vaccines before they can be spayed or neutered at the clinic.
A “Community Fund” is set up at the clinic to assist anyone not able to afford spay and neuter services, such as anyone on a fixed income, veterans, and any community member unable to pay for the services.
Megan Marshall, Director at Don’t Litter Affordable Spay and Neuter Clinic, told KBest News that spay and neutering animals can have health benefits for them because it prevents many types of cancers and infections.
In addition to spay and neutering, Don’t Litter Affordable Spay and Neuter Clinic also offers vaccines, microchips, and tick/flea prevention.
Currently, the clinic is located at 600 3rd St., Suite B – next to what was formerly Boyd’s Auto Glass in Big Spring. The building is currently for sale, but the clinic is able to operate at the location until further notice is given after the building is sold. In addition to the community fund, the community can also help the clinic by donating to their “Building Fund” to help them purchase a new location.
To schedule an appointment for a spay or neuter, contact Lisa at 432-816-6053 or Megan at 928-486-9843, or send a message to their Facebook page – Don’t Litter Affordable Spay and Neuter Clinic. You can also reach out to them if you’d like to volunteer with the organization.
If you’d like to make a donation for the Community Fund or the Building Fund, you can send payments through Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, or by mail.
Please note “BULIDING FUND” or “COMMUNITY FUND” in notes for the payment:
Zelle: affordableclinic@outlook.com
PayPal: affordableclinic@outlook.com
Venmo: @dontlitteraffordable
Check payable to:
Don’t Litter
P.O. Box 2095
Big Spring, TX 79721
For more information on Don’t Litter Affordable Spay and Neuter Clinic, visit their Facebook page or their website: dontlitteraffordablespayneuter.org
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