Too Many Puppies and Kittens!

This early winter has been strange at the shelter: so many puppies and kittens have been brought in. That's usually a spring thing. And some of these litters are BIG: it's hard to find homes for TEN little lab puppies.

Puppies and kittens are cute, but there are more of them than there are potential adopters in our area. We regularly transport puppies (and nursing mamas) to rescue groups in bigger cities where they will have a better chance of being adopted.

But as a community we need to decide to stop letting them reproduce. It's time to gear up for our March spay/neuter campaign. Let's prevent the suffering of unwanted animals.

Media Coverage of 2012 Campaign Results

Thanks to Brian Doogs of KTVO for publicizing the results of our 2012 spay/neuter campaign.

Click this link for the KTVO PAL story of May 31

The ACHS will make its regular spay/neuter certificates (each worth $15) available through the summer to those who could not otherwise afford the procedure.  People may request this assistance from the Adair County Animal Shelter (Hwy. 6 West) during regular business hours (M-F 9:00-4:00 and Saturday 9:00-12:00). 

Those interested in supporting this campaign may send tax deductible donations to P.O. Box  481 in Kirksville.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Big Results for Spay/Neuter Campaign

Kirksville, MO – May 22, 2012

The Adair County Humane Society (ACHS) reports that their third annual March “Be a PAL -- Prevent a Litter” campaign got big results: one hundred and eighty three animals – 96 cats and 87 dogs – were fixed during the 2012 campaign.  Within the first three campaigns, a total of 496 animals were spayed or neutered.

“We kept five hundred animals from becoming twenty five hundred animals,” noted ACHS board member Bridget Thomas.  “And that’s assuming each animal would have had only one moderately sized litter; they often have many more.  This is a significant achievement for our community.” 

Thomas remarked that community support of this campaign is critical to the ACHS as its shelter takes in many homeless dogs and cats every day.   “We don’t need to keep making more dogs and cats.  There are already more than enough good, deserving animals waiting at the shelter for adoption.”

During March 2012, seven local veterinary clinics in Kirksville, Edina, Lancaster, La Plata, and Unionville offered reduced rates for spay/neuter procedures.  Additionally, anyone who fixed their dog or cat was eligible to win a prize in a drawing.   Finally, the ACHS distributed one hundred and forty $50 spay/neuter certificates to people in financial need; these certificates were made possible by special grants from the ASPCA and the Pedigree Foundation, as well as donations from local supporters. 

“Some people may not have been able to take part in our March campaign because their pet was already pregnant or nursing a litter,” Thomas said.  “In that case you won’t want to wait until next March to get your animal fixed.  Do it now.  Do it this summer. Do it before she gets pregnant again.  It’s cheaper to spay or neuter an animal than it is to care for a mama dog and her litter of puppies or kittens.” 

The ACHS will make its regular spay/neuter certificates (each worth $15) available through the summer to those who could not otherwise afford the procedure.  People may request this assistance from the Adair County Animal Shelter (Hwy. 6 West) during regular business hours (M-F 9:00-4:00 and Saturday 9:00-12:00). 

Those interested in supporting this campaign may send tax deductible donations to P.O. Box  481 in Kirksville.

183 Dogs/Cats Fixed!

One hundred and eighty three animals -- that's 96 cats and 87 dogs -- were spayed/neutered during our March 2012 "Be a PAL -- Prevent a Litter" campaign!

Well done, northeast Missouri!  Thanks to you, there are fewer unwanted animals in our area!

[This total was determined by the number of $50 coupons used and the number of prize drawing entry forms received; care was taken to avoid counting the same animal twice.]

ASPCA grant for $3000!

We just got word that the ASPCA is once again supporting our "Be a PAL -- Prevent a Litter campaign"!  This $3000 will pay for sixty of the spay/neuter certificates that were distributed in late February.  We are so grateful for the support of this national organization! 

Local Vets Offer Reduced Rates During March 2012!

These special rates are available during the month of March only!  Make your appointment now!  Please confirm the discounted rate with the veterinary clinic when you schedule your appointment.

Dr. James Foster
Animal Health Center
Hwy 63 N, Lancaster
(660) 457-3086
 
Dog Spay: small (under 20#) $45 /  medium (20-40#) $55 /  large (40-60#) $60 /  extra-large (over 60#) $65
Dog Neuter: small $25 /  medium $30 /  large $35
Cat Spay  $45
Cat Neuter  $25
____________________________________________________________

Dr. James Brummit
Putnam County Animal Hospital
16840 State Hwy 5, Unionville
(660) 947-2015

Dog Spay: $70
Dog Neuter: $65
Cat Spay: $60
Cat Neuter: $30

____________________________________________________________

Dr. David Moore and Dr. John Moore
Adair County Vet Clinic
24463 Benton Rd., Kirksville
(660) 665-6696

and La Plata Vet Clinic
30743 US Hwy. 63, La Plata
(660) 332-4452

Dog Spay, up to 50 lbs*: $75
Dog Spay, over 50 lbs*: $85
Dog Neuter, all weights: $75
Cat Spay*: $60
Cat Neuter: $30

*These prices only apply to dogs/cats not in heat or pregnant.
____________________________________________________________

Dr. Lisa Doak, Dr. John Niebruegge, and Dr. Emily Basler
Kirksville Small Animal Hospital
1220 N. Green St., Kirksville
(660) 665-1971

Dog Spay: $80
Dog Neuter: $70
Cat Spay: $65
Cat Neuter: $50
____________________________________________________________

Dr. Jenny Lindquist
Lindquist Veterinary Care Center
1203 N. Baltimore, Kirksville
(660) 665-2719

and Lindquist Veterinary Care Center
Hwy 6 W, Edina
(660) 397-2570 

Call Dr. Lindquist's office for her discounted prices for March 2012.

____________________________________________________________

Don't see your vet listed here?  Check back again soon.  More clinics will be added as they announce their discounts.

THANKS to local media!

Thanks to KTVO, Kirksville Daily Express, KIRX's "Area Scene", and Truman Index for covering our third annual "Be a PAL -- Prevent a Litter" campaign.  Your support is making a difference for animals in northeast Missouri!

Certificates Gone; Other Incentives Continue All Month!

It was a busy day at the shelter today, as we issued ALL one hundred and forty of the $50 spay/neuter certificates. 

Remember, even if you did not get a certificate, our other incentives are still available:

1. Discounted rates on spay/neuter will be available at participating clinics through the month of March!
2. Anyone who spays/neuters their dog or cat during the month of March will qualify for our prize drawing!

Certificate Release for 2012 Campaign

Special spay/neuter certificates worth up to $50 will be available

• for people who could not otherwise afford to have their animals fixed
• beginning on Thursday, February 23 at 9:00 a.m. until supplies run out
• from the Adair County Humane Shelter on Hwy. 6 (West of Kirksville) 
• during regular shelter hours: Monday-Friday 9-4 and Saturday 9-12
• on a first-come, first-served basis (supplies are limited to 140)
• limit two per household except in extraordinary circumstances
• must be redeemed during the month of March 2012

Note: Funds for these certificates come from special donations from individuals who care deeply about the welfare of animals in this county and from two small grants; they do not come from the Shelter's regular, modest operating budget.  We reserve the right to refuse to give certificates to individuals at our discretion.