Calgary Humane Society expanding affordable clinics this summer

Ashlyn Prediger and Sharon Manly, take the pulse of Dollar, a Nova Scotia Duck Toller, at a pet first aid class held at the Calgary Humane Society in Calgary on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley

The Calgary Humane Society will be expanding its affordable clinics this summer to help more families keep their pets healthy.

The humane society offers spay/neuter clinics once a month and vaccination clinics quarterly for those who make less than $57, 909 annually.

“Community clinics are designed to break down financial barriers and keep pets with the families who love them,” said spokesperson Anna-Lee Fitzsimmons.

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“By offering no-cost spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations and wellness exams to low-income households, these clinics promote responsible pet ownership, reduce overpopulation and help prevent surrender due to unaffordable vet care.”

Fitzsimmons says 76 per cent of all dog applications for spay and neuter are large breeds.

“We believe that the surge in demand for dogs during COVID has led to a high number of unfixed animals in the community,” she said. “We’re recruiting applicants, both clients and clinics, to help these services expand.”

Being privately funded, the humane society is always accepting donations, with Fitzsimmons saying they can only offer these clinics with the support of donors.

“Come July and August, when we host our city-wide spay and neuter drive, we will have a specific campaign with a matching donor we will be asking supporters to contribute too,” she said.

If you can provide proof of income, less than $57,909/per year and you own an animal between two months and six years of age that is not intended for sale and healthy, you can apply here.

During the wellness and vaccine clinic, a core combination vaccination will be given to each animal, but owners will need to schedule and pay for a booster two weeks later.

This vaccine does not include a rabies vaccination, nor does the spay and neuter clinic when a core combination vaccination will be given upon recovery from anesthesia.

“Rooted in compassion and prevention, the clinics not only support animal welfare but also strengthen public health, reduce strain on local shelters and build more resilient, connected communities,” Fitzsimmons said.