Cate Mansfield gave a presentation about the Shenandoah Valley Spay and Neuter Clinic, which has performed over 110,000 low-cost spay and neuter surgeries since 2005 using a high-quality, high-volume approach. The clinic aims to reduce euthanasia of cats and dogs through affordable access to spay/neuter services. It offers flexible admission times and re-examination services. Data shows the clinic has significantly reduced local animal intake and euthanasia rates while increasing spay/neuter surgeries. The clinic looks to expand its mobile clinic program and educate the public on access to services.

1. Cate Mansfield
Executive Director
The Humane Society of the United States
Animal Care Expo
May 9, 2013

2. To end the euthanasia of healthy and
treatable cats and dogs
"No other disease or condition of
companion animals takes as many lives
as euthanasia. In fact, no other disease
comes close."
-Janet M. Scarlett, DVM, MPH, Ph.D

3. Opened January 2005
Located in Harrisonburg, VA
Population: 125,000
Over 110,000 surgeries to date

4. High Quality, High Volume Spay Neuter
(HQHVSN)- protocols to maintain standards
of care
Proactive not reactive
Makes a distinctive impact
Effectively delivers on mission

5. Physical space to accommodate entire feral cat
colonies and large dogs
Flexibility with admission and discharge time
Patients are able to return for exams as needed
Lower cost per surgery than some other models

6. Over 110,000 surgeries
performed
SVSNC Rate: .05%
Average in Private Practice: 1.2%
Pollari FL, et al. Postoperative complications of elective surgeries in dogs and cats
determined by examining electronic and medical records. JAVMA 1996; 208: 1882-1886

7. Feral and outdoor cats
Organizations that do not
neuter before release
Guardians that do not
spay/neuter

8. Gift
Pet Store
Stray
Shelter
Breeder
Giveaway

9. Pit Fix
Aidan’s Friends Fund
Feline Fund
Spay It Forward
TNR trap loan program

10. Decreasing or eliminating barriers
•
•
•
•
Perception of affordable clinics
Income restrictions
Vaccination or testing requirements
Accessibility and transportation
Educating the public
• When to spay/neuter: “Fix at 4”
• The definition of euthanasia
• Rate of euthanasia at local shelters

11. Over 50% of pets are from
accidental litters
Targeting young, female
dogs and cats is key
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Fix at 4 Campaign Ad

12. Collaborative project
Tool for better understanding shelter intake
Identify and target “at risk” cats and dogs
Assist with better decision making

13. 5000
4500
4000
3500
3000
Total Intake
2500
Euthanasia
Surgeries
2000
1500
1000
500
0
2005'
2006'
2007'
2008'
2009'
2010'
2011'

14. 12000
10000
8000
Intake
6000
Euthanasia
Surgeries
4000
2000
0
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011

15. Public admission
7:30 - 8 am
Transport arrives
8:30 - 9:30 am
Public discharge
3 -4 pm
Transport discharged
following morning

16. Admission is open to everyone regardless of
income or place of residency
All animals receive pain medicine and general
anesthesia
Re-examinations are offered at no charge
All trapped cats receive a left ear tip

17. Juvenile spay/neuter
• 2 lbs., 8 weeks for shelter animals
• 2 lbs., 14 weeks for animals that have a guardian
No upper age limit
• Pre-operative blood testing and comprehensive exam is
recommended for animals over 8 years of age
Flexibility with aggressive and special needs dogs

18. 
Extends geographic reach of clinic to 120 miles

19. Help raise awareness
Reach target population
Monthly invoicing for established clients
Scheduling appointments

20. Market research
Evaluate cost vs. need
Staff
Equipment

22. 
Vehicles

Personnel

Communication

Customer service

23. Remember…

24. Cate Mansfield
Tel: 540.437.1980
Email: cate@spayandneuterclinic.org
Website: www.spayandneuterclinic.org