by Charlotte Howard

Created on: August 29, 2008

Spaying and neutering is important to stop unwanted pets from being born and for preventing diseases and infections. But, they can be very expensive operations and not everyone can afford them. Organizing a low-cost spaying and neutering clinic is one way that you can help your community. There are several things you will need to consider before embarking on your new mission.

RESEARCH

Ask the following questions:

*How much is spaying or neutering normally?
*Where is the nearest clinic, and how much do they charge?
*Are there any charities in your area that offer help with veterinary treatment?
*How much will it cost to set up a clinic?
*Are there any suitable buildings in the area?
*What equipment will you need to buy?
*What staffing will you need?
*Are there any laws or regulations you need to adhere to?

PEOPLE YOU SHOULD CONTACT

There are several ways of finding help. By contacting the following people you may find that they will either give you valuable advice, volunteer to help or donate money.

*Veterinarians
*Local government agencies
*Animal charities
*Kennels and catteries
*Local newspapers
*Medical companies and suppliers

RAISING MONEY

Once you have calculated the costs you will need to find the money to pay for the setting up of the clinic. There are many ways you can do this. Here are a few simple suggestions:

*Ask for donations you may need to register as a charity for this, depending on your area.
*Fetes and fairs
*Raffles
*Bank loan
*Sponsors

ADVERTISING

Getting noticed is the next step you will need to take. This does not have to be expensive, and there are many ways of effective advertising. Creating flyers and placing them in veterinary surgeries and shop windows can help, but it would also be advisable to contact the local newspaper or TV station and ask about getting some media coverage. Word of mouth is also a good way of letting people know about you.

WEBSITES THAT MAY HELP

The following websites may be able to help you in your quest. Be sure to check that they are correct for you country and area.

www.lovethatcat.com
www.aspca.org
www.spca.org
www .scottishspca.org
www.rspca.org.uk
www.pdsa.org.uk
www. dogstrust.org.uk
www.cats.org.uk
www.wspa.org.uk
www.bl uecross.org.uk

It may take a while to get up and running, but it will be worth it in the end. Abandoned pets due to unwanted pregnancies is a worldly recognized problem, and spaying and neutering is the only way to put an end to it.

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