Corpus Christi Animal Care Services & Vector Control

Community Spay Neuter Assistance Program

A PROPOSAL TO FIGHT STRAY OVERPOPULATION

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Education. Outreach. Solutions.

MISSION
Corpus Christi Animal Care Services is committed to reducing animal overpopulation through aggressive spay-neuter efforts, humane education, and community outreach.

OBJECTIVE
The Community Spay Neuter Assistance Program (C-SNAP) provides free or low cost spay/neuter surgeries for dogs and cats at participating veterinarians throughout Corpus Christi. The program is funded solely by donations and grants with ongoing staffing and training provide by the City of Corpus Christi.
PLAN Basic points about the process: Resident fills out the application and returns with low cost payment (if applicable.) Resident will receive a voucher in the mail with a list of participating veterinarians Resident will have 60 days to use the voucher Reduced prices for s/n surgeries will be pre-negotiated with participating vets. We will use a voucher system to control the spay/neuter process. A donation will be requested from each pet owner who receives a voucher The voucher will only pay for the cost of the sterilization surgery with a participating veterinarian. To receive payment, veterinarians must provide original invoices and vouchers for each surgery performed PREREQUISITES A solid agreement with the local veterinary community A foundation backer who is committed to community development and education Dedicated staffing of two trained liaisons to manage and promote the program Transportation, to include a dedicated vehicle wrapped with a C-SNAP logo Two dedicated laptops and management software Advertising and office supplies Dedicated office space. Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines PEOPLE Veterinarians who understand the need and are eager to participate Dedicated volunteers to assist with the program Two dedicated persons to: o manager relationships with the veterinary clinics o manage public relations and establish media events o manage accounts, vouchers, and record keeping o manage day to day networking and community involvement o manage appointments and Target Spay/Neuter efforts o manage grant writing and pursue grants and fund raising

"Life is life's greatest gift. Guard the life of another creature as you would your own because it is your own. On life's scale of values, the smallest is no less precious to the creature who owns it than the largest." -- Lloyd Biggle Jr.

Why do we need a community spay/neuter assistance program?

Thousands of homeless dogs and cats die in Corpus Christi animal shelter each year. There is a better solution to pet overpopulation; one that is fiscally responsible. A community spay/neuter program would save lives by addressing the crisis at its source. Such a program would also be proactive; focusing funds on prevention rather than the costs associated with animal care and control. It is less expensive to alter a dog or a cat than it is to impound and euthanize that same animal. The proposed program does not make spay/neuter mandatory. It provides funds and options to a struggling community.

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Education. Outreach. Solutions.

The reality exists that many low income and middle class families own pets and the high cost of spay/neuter surgery is an obstacle for them. In addition, good Samaritans throughout the city are caring for stray and abandoned dogs and cats. This program would help them sterilize these dogs and cats at an affordable low cost copayment, and theoretically reduce the stray overpopulation that grows each day. There is a pet overpopulation crisis in our city the homeless animals are suffering, and in fact, the public is already paying to address the aftermath of unwanted animals through the constant burden of animal related bites, injuries, complaints, illness and care provided by Animal Care Services and the Corpus Christi Police Department.

Humane Solution.
By establishing a spay/neuter program, we will be focusing on the humane and cost effective solution, rather than reacting to the continued burden of over population and lack of education.

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Oftentimes pet owners do not adequately care for their animals because they do not have the means to do so, not because they simply don't care about their animals. Our spay/neuter program will provide low-cost services for pet owners to encourage participation and no cost services for those unable to afford the low cost - helping us expand our reach to help those who need it most.

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the answer. No Breeding is the only real solution.

The Cost of Not Doing It:

High spay / neuter and vaccination charges discourage responsible pet owners from taking their companion animals to the veterinarian for regular care, including immunizations for rabies that can kill animals and humans. Increased stray pet population. Increased animal suffering and continued burden on city services. Failure to address the overpopulation's core problem of irresponsible pet ownership. Increased euthanasia rates. Increased employee and volunteer burnout / turnover at Animal Care Services. Unattractiveness of the City of Corpus Christi to vacationers, business ventures, builders, and potential residents. Continued decrease in property values. Pet Overpopulation affects all taxpayers, including those who dont own animals. According to the US Centers on Disease Control and Prevention, 76% of dog bites are caused by intact male dogs. Over 333,000 dog bites per year cost around $5000 each, totaling over two billion dollars. (Dogs kept on chains or isolated in pens and away from social contact are two other main factors in dog bites). Spayed and neutered pets are less likely to bite.

With human and animal lives at stake, we cant afford not to do it.

HEATHER HEDRICK, PROGRAM MANAGER

2626 Holly Rd, Corpus Christi, Tx 78415 Phone: 361-826-4602 Fax: 361-826-4611 heatherhe@cctexas.com