ASPCA Returns to Joplin, Mo. to Host Low-Cost Spay/Neuter & Vaccine Clinic

NEW YORK—To mark the anniversary of the catastrophic tornado in Joplin, Mo., the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is teaming up with Joplin Humane Society to host a low-cost spay/neuter and vaccine clinic from Friday, June 1 to Sunday, June 3 for dogs and cats of low-income pet owners from Joplin and surrounding areas. Appointments must be made in advance for the spay/neuter surgery, and the vaccine clinic is first-come, first-served from 12 noon to 3 p.m. each day.

In coordination with the ASPCA's National Spay/Neuter Project, sponsored by Subaru, the ASPCA is sending a mobile spay/neuter clinic to Joplin to offer vaccines and is setting up a surgery clinic at Joplin Humane Society, where area veterinarians will join forces to perform the surgeries. The vaccinations – which will cost $5 for animals who are already fixed – include protection against distemper/parvo and rabies for dogs, and protection against several different contagious diseases and rabies for cats through the FVRCP vaccine. Spay/neuter surgeries will cost $10, which also includes vaccinations.

"Last year, the ASPCA was one of the first responders on the scene, and we witnessed first-hand the devastation that the tornado caused," said Shelby Davis, director of spay/neuter operations at the ASPCA. "Pets can sometimes be the forgotten victims after a natural disaster, so we have returned to Joplin to offer much-needed animal services to pet owners who may still find they are struggling to make ends meet."

"The ASPCA made a huge difference in the lives of pet owners in Joplin a year ago, and we are excited that they are back again this year," added Lysa Buehler, Joplin Humane Society shelter manager.

In the days that followed last year's tornado, the ASPCA established emergency sheltering efforts for 1,300 animals, and in the month that followed, reunited more than 500 pets with their families. The ASPCA and Joplin Humane Society also found new homes for the 800 remaining cats and dogs during a two-day adoption event hosted on June 25 and 26, 2011.

For more information or to make an appointment for spay/neuter, Joplin area residents should call (877) SPAY-NYC.