Mendocino County relaunched the mobile spay and neuter van following a successful trial run of a. new van at the Humane Society. Thirty-four surgeries were completed, and the van is now ready to expand its operations with helping spay and neuter animals all across Mendocino County.
Sarah O’Rourke, a registered vet tech with the county of Mendocino who works to coordinate the van, explained that the spay & neuter van program is something that has been around since 1999 but slowly faded out of use, due to issues with the vehicle, lack of staffing, and COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the generosity of an anonymous donor, this invaluable program is now back in action. One round of surgeries has already been completed with the van at the Humane Society, and another event is planned for January 14th at JD Redhouse in Willits. While spay & neuter surgery appointments for this event are already fully booked, there will be walk-in availability for vaccines from 10am-2pm. The van also offers microchips, heartworm testing, flea and tick prevention and basic dewormer. There is a charge for vaccines, as well as surgeries, which range from $58-$217 depending on the type and size of the animal. There is low income assistance available through the SNAP to subsidize costs for those who qualify. To learn more, visit ukiahsnap.org.
When asked about the problem with aggressive stray dogs that has plagued much of the county, especially Round Valley, O’Rourke replied that while she hopes to eventually reduce the future population through the mobile spay & neuter program, it won’t be a quick fix. Residents concerned about packs of strays or aggressive dogs are urged to contact animal control and also to speak with the Board of Supervisors regarding their concerns. O’Rourke is working to establish a date for the van to visit Round Valley; she is securing a veterinarian who can perform a high volume of surgeries in one day to help meet the needs of the valley.
For more information and to learn where the mobile spay & neuter van will be next, contact animal care services at (707) 463-4427.