Second Chance: Spay Neuter Financial Help

28 Aug Second Chance: Spay Neuter Financial Help

A critical part of the Second Chance Humane Society mission is the prevention of unwanted pets, and one of our most successful and longest running programs is our Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance Program. We have been operating this program for over a dozen years and prevented hundreds and hundreds (if not thousands if you consider generations of litters that were prevented) of unwanted litters of new pets. During this time, we have also developed strong collaborations with other animal welfare organizations to broaden the accessibility and affordability of the program.

Through funding made possible by the Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund (which generates grant monies through a simple donation contribution on your tax returns), we offer a voucher program to San Miguel and Ouray County residents who would otherwise not be able to afford spay/neuter procedures for their pets. Additionally, in partnership with Telluride Animal Foundation, Dr. Joseph Alaimo, and Montrose Animal Shelter, we host low-cost Spay and Neuter clinics at the Montrose Animal Shelter on a regular basis. (The next clinic is scheduled for October 3. Contact Second Chance at 626-2273 or www.adoptmountainpets.org to learn more or to register.)

For the flat fee of only $20 (for dogs and cats only) participating pets receive a brief exam, sedation and pain medicine, general anesthesia, and a spay or neuter surgery performed by a licensed veterinarian.  Although we hope to include vaccinations at these clinics in the future, we currently lack the resources to do so.

To schedule an appointment simply follow these simple steps:

1.    Download the Spay/Neuter Assistance Application from our website.  (You can also call and request an application be emailed or fill one out at the Shelter.)

2.    Complete and Email the application to the Second Chance Shelter animalcare@adoptmountainpets.org.  (Please fill out separate applications for each animal needing surgery.)

3.    Call the Shelter 970-626-2273 or stop in and provide payment for service requested.

All healthy cats and dogs over the age of 8 weeks and weighing at least 2 pounds are eligible for surgery.
We urge you to consider participating in this program if you have unaltered pets and we thank you for doing your part in reducing pet overpopulation and saving lives!  Our pets of the week are Flynn and Marco:

FLYNN:

My name is Flynn, I am a homeless pet here at Second Chance. I am very handsome and when people describe me they typically use words such as Borzoi or Suluki Border collie mix. That doesn’t mean a lot to me but, like other border collies (or mixes) I have met, I am handsome, energetic, smart, and just love everyone and everything. And why not? Life is short. Ok, I will admit one thing I don’t love. That is being without a home or family…I have too much to give and do and be. I am just waiting for my person or persons to come find me so that together we can pursue all that life has to offer.

MARCO:

Once upon a time I was on a big adventure, seeking out new paths. I was confident because I happen to have the good looks and the demeanor of celebrity cats like Morris or Garfield. I was adept at being adaptive and laid back with the proper amount of curiousity, a regular Marco Polo (and yes my name just so happens to be Marco), when all of a sudden – WHAM – life interrupted. Now I am homeless and at a shelter competing for attention with hordes of other cats who think they are cute and cool. Well, I need someone to get me out of here and let me get back to my regular occupation of being one great pet and exploring like my namesake. I hope you consider my plea.

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)

Second Chance Humane Society Animal Resource Center and Thrift Shop are both located in Ridgway, but service San Miguel, Ouray & Montrose Counties. Call the SCHS Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter, Volunteer, Feral Cat, or other Programs. View the shelter pets and services online: www.adoptmountainpets.org.