Neuter Scooter gains new partner to provide low-cost clinics for pets
Published Thursday, October 24, 2024 12:05 AM
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Rowan Neuter Scooter Angie Elkins and Skittles lead volunteer on the last ride of the day to the September 11th clinic. Submitted photo
RNS volunteers, community mobile clinic technicians, veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth Welch, and three Spencer Fire Department employees were on hand at the Spencer Fire Department’s recent cat spay/neuter clinic. Posted photo
A waiting area for animals following a recent cat spay/neuter surgery at the Spencer Fire Department. Posted photo
Sometimes it takes a village, even when it comes to animals.
The organization Rowan Neuter Scooter, formerly a transportation partner of the Charlotte Humane Society, will continue to provide affordable spay/neuter options for Rowan County residents and their furs after that contract ends. I was thinking of finding it. Babies.
“We spent the first half of 2024 looking for other viable solutions to provide affordable options for Rowan County residents,” said Rowan Neuter Scooter Lead Volunteer, Angi Elkins said. In July of this year, we partnered with Community Pet Mobile Veterinary Services, which provides spay/neuter services, vaccinations, and microchips at low cost. With this collaboration, RNS went from serving 25 to 30 pets per month to spaying or neutering 30 to 40 pets per week.
“This growth in our reach is remarkable to be a part of, and we are proud to be making a significant impact within our community,” Elkins said.
Dr. Elizabeth Welch, who runs Community Pet Mobile Services, has always strived to combine community service with veterinary work. She played a key role in establishing a local animal shelter and served as medical director of a nonprofit spay/neuter clinic in Charlotte. As the clinic expanded to three locations, it continued to focus on efficiency without sacrificing quality. With Mobile Services, which she founded in April of this year, she is on a mission of efficient quality.
Welch and the RNS staff celebrated their 100th day of partnership on October 4th, and during that three-and-a-half month period, they performed 177 trap-neuter-release or TNR surgeries at more than six TNR clinics. A total of 328 spaying and neutering operations were performed. Across five clinics, 149 surgeries were performed on friendly cats and dogs. Rowan Fairgrounds had three vaccination and microchip clinics that provided vaccinations and microchips to 513 pets. TNR clinics and family pet spay/neuter clinics are operated separately, and all spay/neuter clinics require an appointment. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis and slots fill up quickly.
“We could not have done this without our amazing hosts in the community who have helped us, including Nova Vita Rescue, Hodge Farms, Rowan County Fair Grounds, Salisbury Civic Center, Town of Spencer; That includes the Spencer Fire Department,” Elkins said. “And we wouldn’t be able to do this anywhere and for anyone without all of our amazing volunteers.”
There are currently two clinics open at the Salisbury Civic Center and two at the Spencer Fire Station, with more clinics opening in November and December. A “Howl Owen Pet Vaccine” clinic will also be held at the venue on Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is open to the public and no reservations are required. Rabies and distemper vaccines are $10 each. The Bordatella, Lepto, and Leukemia vaccines are $15, as is the heartworm test. The HIV/FELV test costs $25, as does the microchip.
According to Chief Michael Lanning, Spencer City Councilwoman Erin Moody brought the clinic to the Spencer Fire Department.
“She came to me and said she had an idea,” Lanning said, so he, Moody, Town Manager Peter Franzese and Elkins met and decided to open a spay/neuter clinic at the department. We discussed the idea of holding one.
“Originally there were supposed to be two,” Lanning said. “And we were happy to do it, but it does cause some inconvenience for us. She (Elkins) came back and said she was looking for a place to hold a clinic over the winter. , when they asked us if we could do it, I had to think about it. We operate as a fire department, so we might not be able to provide the same amount of space every time. And I said yes because ultimately I’m doing a good thing.”
Meanwhile, organizations continue to seek permanent hosting partners to set up mobile clinics on a weekly or biweekly basis. Clinics are typically open from 6:30 a.m. to approximately 3:00 p.m., and pick-ups and drop-offs are staggered, so they typically do not interfere with business parking or traffic. The mobile unit is 33 feet long and can be parked outdoors or partially or completely indoors, depending on available space. More importantly, set up six to eight folding tables in an indoor space that safely accommodates your pet and protects it from the elements. Staffing is minimal, just a veterinarian and one or two additional volunteers.
In addition to continuing to look for a permanent location for the clinic and services, Elkins said they are also looking for more corporate and community sponsors.
“We were the beneficiary of funding from the Giving With Grace Foundation, which allowed us to get reduced fees for community cats,” she said of the TNR program in place. “I’ve used up all but the last one, so I’m done.”
The organization hopes to find funding to continue reducing the cost of the TNR program as well as the cost of household pets.
“Together, we can continue to make a lasting impact in Rowan County, ensure pets get the care they need, and help reduce animal overpopulation,” Elkins said. Ta. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor or hosting a clinic can find Rowan Neuter Scooter on Facebook. Messages will be answered immediately unless we are in the middle of a clinic.
