KELSEYVILLE >> On August 14, in the shadow of the Clayton Fire, the 500th spay/neuter surgery of the Clearlake Pet Project was completed.
Over the past several months, Contra Costa County based non-profit, Animal Refugee Response, in partnership with the SPCA of Lake County has been providing free spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations and parasite control to the cats and dogs of very low-income pet owners in Clearlake and Lower Lake. Made possible by a generous grant from PetSmart Charities, the goal of the program was to help alleviate pet over-population in Lake County. With support from the SPCA Board of Directors, community volunteers and dedicated vets and support staff committed to making a difference, that goal has been achieved.
Clearlake Pet Project was designed to help residents who otherwise would not have been able to afford to spay or neuter their pets. In fact, for many of the 500 animals who qualified for free services, it was the first time they were ever seen by a veterinarian. Transportation to and from appointments was also provided by the SPCA volunteers when needed.
Underscoring the positive impact of the program, Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch of Napa County has stepped up to provide funding to Animal Refugee Response for the second phase of the program. Between September and November of this year, another 300 spays and neuters will be provided to the pets of very low-income residents throughout the entire county of Lake.
Appointments will only be made when applications are received and qualified.
SPCA of Lake County is a 501c registered non-profit organization
