I'm looking for guidance from those involved in animal welfare/rescue regarding veterinary assistance for veterans in Greater Minnesota.
Recently, I've seen an increase in veterans taking in rescued dogs and cats (these are typically animals they've informally rescued/adopted-not purchased pets and they are often these pets are not affiliated with a rescue as we have so few). In many cases, they can afford food and basic supplies, but struggle with veterinary costs such as preventatives (heartworm/flea/tick) and especially spay/neuter surgery.
As a veterinarian, I'm often able to help with basic preventative and medical care when I can, but I do not offer spay/neuter services, and local colleagues are generally unable to provide discounted surgical care. A low fee S/N program ~ 50 miles distant is booked and while fees are affordable, for some they are not.
I'm aware of Minnesota Spay Neuter Assistance Program (MN SNAP), which does offer subsidized surgeries statewide and has a mobile unit serving rural communities, and Animal Humane Society also appears to offer reduced-cost services for qualifying owners, including active/retired military personnel yet the distance (200 miles RT) to travel creates a hardship.
My question: Are there other existing programs-particularly those focused on veterans or active service members-that help subsidize spay/neuter or surgical care for owned rescue pets?
I'd especially appreciate resources that serve rural Minnesota or neighboring states.
Thank you.
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization#PetSupportServices*------------------------------
Delores Gockowski, DVM
North Ridge Veterinary Svc LLC
MN
------------------------------