The Southwest Voice

By: Daphne, the Shih Tzu

Dear Daphne,
HOPE has arrived for those wanting low cost spay and neuter services:

1) The HOPE clinic in Fresno provides low-cost spay and neuter services to Bakersfield residents.

2) The HOPE transport van carries area pets to and from Fresno for spay and neuter procedures. Photos courtesy of HOPE Animal Foundation.



Of all the excuses I’ve heard for not spaying and neutering your pet, the “it costs too much” excuse is probably my least favorite. Spaying and neutering, as one-time expenses, reduce any number of additional future expenses you may well have if you fail to alter your pet. Additional licensing fees (because you are licensing your pet as a responsible owner, aren’t you?), additional food for the kittens and puppies produced when pets aren't altered and additional medical bills from unaltered animals who roam and get into trouble are just a few ways that pets can cost far more than the price of surgery. Regardless, the financial argument has been successfully used for ages. Until now.

If you haven’t already heard, it’s gotten a lot easier to have your pet spayed or neutered for a very reasonable price. The Halt Overpopulation with Prevention and Education, or HOPE, Animal Foundation is working with Kern County Animal Control to serve the Bakersfield area. HOPE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending pet overpopulation in the Central Valley. To that end, they are now offering low-cost spay and neuter services to Bakersfield residents.

How low-cost? Their regular prices for cats are $35 for a neuter and $45 for a spay procedure. Dog prices start at $55 for neuter procedures, and dog spays start at $65, with additional charges for dogs weighing over 65 pounds. Of course, you can avoid those additional fees by getting your dog altered when they are still young, instead of waiting until they've gotten full-size. Additional discounts are available for Medi-Cal recipients. If you qualify, call HOPE for more details on how to take advantage of this offer.

Here’s the fine print. Cats and dogs having surgery must be at least 8 weeks old, weigh at least 2 pounds and be in good general health. Pets over four months old must be vaccinated against rabies. If you do not have proof of a rabies vaccine, HOPE will vaccinate your pet at the time of surgery for an additional $10.

How does it work? Bakersfield residents call 877-266-HOPE (4673) to schedule an appointment. The HOPE van comes into town every Monday to pick up Bakersfield pets and transport them to their clinic in Fresno for the procedure. HOPE returns on Tuesday morning to deliver the pets back to the arms of their loving owners, minus the ability to make additional pets. It doesn’t get any easier than that.

Visit: www.hopeaf.com for more information on the HOPE program.

Bow-wow for now,
Daphne

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