Story by Rebecca West
This year, we’ve made it our mission to share and promote information on spay and neuter. We’ve undertaken this in the hope that doing so will educate and encourage Southern Arizonans to get their pets fixed at the time appropriate for the individual animal to help stem the tide of unplanned and largely unwanted litters.
Besides the fact that ignoring the problem is not the answer, people need to consider the lives many of these animals will be forced to lead if they do not find homes early on. Their time on this planet will be significantly shortened, either by the hazards of the streets or at the hands of shelters in desperate need to lower headcounts.
This means countless animals will be put down for no other reason than space and housing issues. As a society, we should consider this unacceptable and stir ourselves to action. So, what can we do about it? First off, we need to take responsibility for our actions or, more accurately, our inaction. Responsible pet ownership means taking the reins and doing what’s right not only for our personal pets but for the community as a whole. Turning a blind eye is not an option.
We can start by adopting animals rather than buying them. We won’t even get into the nightmare that are puppy mills because that’s a whole other conversation. Besides, if you’re looking for a specific breed, there are dedicated rescues overflowing with unwanted dogs and cats of all ages that are just as marvelous as a pet you’ll pay thousands for.
Which brings us to one of the problems contributing to overcrowded shelters, euthanasia lists, or abandonment at the very least. Do your homework! So many people will see a movie with an animal or become aware of a trend and decide they have to have the same breed based on little more than impulse, without learning whether or not the animal’s traits, temperament, and requirements are right for them.
This leads to so many pets being discarded like yesterday’s paper. Another problem is the current lack of even the most basic training among dogs, which frequently leads to surrenders. Again, be a responsible pet owner and take the time to train your pets. You wouldn’t skip training your kids, and pets are like children. They count on you for guidance as the pack leader.
Fortunately, affordable spay and neuter options are increasing. One of those is Arizona Spay & Neuter on Grant Rd. We had a chance to quiz one of the proprietors, and this is what we learned.
Purchased by Heather Knight and Amy Hoffman in 2019, it was originally opened many years prior. But when the clinic teetered on the verge of closing, Knight told us, “We knew the need for a low-cost clinic in the Tucson area. We started with one doctor and five-six staff members and have recently grown to three doctors and 15-18 staff members. The growth goes to show how needed a low-cost option is.” Hoffman, their first veterinarian, is also the facility’s medical director.
“In 2019,” Knight continued, “we were only a surgery and vaccine clinic, but due to the need for more low-cost options, we are now a surgery, shot clinic, and general practice. All low-cost. We perform a little over 100 spays and neuters a week, with various other surgeries sprinkled in. We hope we are making a big impact and helping the community keep pets happy and healthy without breaking the bank.”
When asked about their hopes for the future, she noted that it was to continue to grow and help the community as much as possible. “With the general practice being newer, we hope that we can continue to grow as our community’s local practitioner. We hope for people to learn that we are so much more than spay and neuters.”
We also queried her as to what they’d want people to know about getting their pets fixed. She replied, “That spaying and neutering their pets doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and we are here as an option and still provide top care with staff that truly cares about the well-being of their pets.
“Being a low-cost clinic, we aren’t in this for the money. We are in this for the community and their pets. Millions of dogs and cats are born each year, many by mistake. Spaying and neutering prevent pets from finding themselves in the shelter or on the streets. In Tucson, this is a growing problem.”
When asked whether there was a general age group or gender regarding people seeking the procedures for their pets, she answered in the negative. “This is something that everyone should be doing for their animals,” adding that recovery is relatively quick and safe as long as the pet parent does their part in the healing process.
“Spaying and neutering pets go beyond unintended litters and help with their long-term health. Besides keeping shelters from getting full, it prevents health problems like pyometras and testicular cancer, and many more reasons.
“Ultimately, spay and neuter are responsible pet-care practices that help improve animal health, reduce unwanted litters, and contribute to the welfare of both pets and communities. The appropriate timing should be discussed with a veterinarian based on the pet’s species, breed, age, and health status. We are here for you and your pets and truly treat them like family!”
