Desexing clinics for cats and dogs including paediatrics

Desexing clinics for cats and dogs including paediatrics – Lila Miller (ASPCA)

Many different models of desexing clinics have been created to impact pet homelessness and reduce shelter intakes.

High quality, high volume desexing

– Defined by Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV’s) Veterinary Task Force to Advance Spay/Neuter in 2008. Published Journal Veterinary Medicine.

– High quality, high-volume desexing programs are efficient surgical initiatives that meet or exceed veterinary medical standards.

– Low cost, does not meet low quality

– Technicians become very efficient

Types of clinics

Mash style desexing clinics

Plus
– Goes to areas in need
– Large geographic radius
– Lower startup costs
– Quicker start up time
– Utilise volunteers
– Work & assist with multiple organisation, resulting in greater collaboration

Negative
– Wear & tear on equipment
– ” ” on staff
– Need for volunteers
– Need a home base

In shelter desexing clinics

Plus
– Desexing prior to adoption
– Transport not needed
– May be cheaper than vets
– May be able to use for public

Negative
– May have limited access to public animals
– Disease control issues
– Need separate housing for public animals
– Private practioners may object

Mobile clinics

Plus
– Travel to populations
– Self contained
– Could be a multi-use vehicle
– Prescence in the community
– Target geographic locations that have been identified with high relinquishment
– Work with shelters/rescue/feral cat caregivers

Negative
– Expensive to maintain
– Dedicated driver
– Small space to work in
– Need a safe place to park
– May need separate recovery area
– Cost of insurance/fuel
– Toilets/power
– Difficult to manage remotely
– Need a backup plans for animals who can’t be discharged

Stationary desexing clinics

Plus
– Can focus on large numbers of animals
– Self contained
– Can cover a large geographic area
– Visible presence in the community

Negative
– Start up costs higher
– Take longer to start up
– Compliance with zoning
– Access can be hard if transport not provided

Measuring impact

All desexing important, but limited resources need to spent wisely

Focus on desexing animals that are at risk of entering shelters

Consider GIS (shelter intake data by map), then target those areas

Private owners should consult with their vets on appropriate times to desex

We’re not going to desex our way out of this problem – it really does depend on education on responsible pet ownership.