There are not enough adoptive homes for all the puppies and kittens born in NYC. Last year, according to the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, 11,602 dogs and cats were euthanized in the city’s shelters to make room for newly homeless animals arriving every day.
To help prevent LES dogs and cats from becoming the source of more unwanted pets, the ASPCA is focusing its free and low-cost spay/neuter mobile van in the neighborhood later this month. The project includes special discounts for local residents, including free surgeries for cats and large dogs over 40 pounds whose families use public assistance, and minimal charges of $10 to $20 for families not on public assistance. Sterilization for all pit bulls and pit bull mixes (which make up the majority of dogs in city shelters) are free to all clients.
The clinic provides spay or neuter surgery, rabies shots, other preventive vaccines and nail trimming. Microchipping is optional for an additional $20.
The mobile clinic will visit four LES locations over the last two weeks of August:
- Sunday, Aug. 21: Baruch Houses on Columbia Street, near Stanton Street
- Wednesday, Aug. 24: Vladeck Houses at Governeur and Madison streets
- Monday, Aug. 29: Seward Park at Essex and Canal streets
- Wednesday, Aug. 31: East 7th Street at Avenue D
The clinics can only accommodate about two dozen animals per day, on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can make an appointment ahead of time by calling (877) SPAY-NYC, or arrive early to wait in line. The ASPCA’s website has more details on how to prepare your animal and what to bring.
If you can’t make the ASPCA’s mobile van schedule, the NYC Mayor’s Alliance for Animals maintains a list of ongoing free and low-cost spay/neuter programs throughout the city on its website.
