PEMBROKE — Veterinarians are again teaming up to put a leash on the high number of unwanted pets in Robeson County.

The Robeson County Veterinary Medical Association will offer spay and neuter services at a discount during its eighth semi-annual SNIP campaign, which begins Monday and will run until March 20. Five area animal hospitals are participating.

Almost 3,100 dogs and cats have been sterilized since SNIP, an acronym for “spaying and neutering improves pets,” launched in 2010. Dr. David Brooks, a spokesperson for the association, expects more pet owners to take advantage of the discount following recent changes to the state’s subsidized voucher program.

The program provides low-income residents with vouchers that cover the cost of spaying or neutering their pets. Veterinarians are reimbursed for the surgeries by the state.

“There’s been a tremendous change,” said Brooks, who runs Pembroke Veterinary Hospital. “Many of the people who once qualified will no longer qualify for a voucher. We’ve had several clients call up and say they have been denied or turned down for vouchers that they were accustomed to getting.”

According to Brooks, the association began offering the semiannual event in an prevent the birth of animals that would likely be abandoned and then euthanized. Dogs ordinarily give birth to anywhere between six and 10 puppies with each litter, while cats usually produce two to five kittens.

“We’re not out for the money, we’re out to help the critters and the people,” he said. “Some people think that we’re out to make a profit, but we genuinely care a lot about animals, particularly the ones that are in a situation that they can’t do anything about.”

Veterinary clinics participating in SNIP include: Baird’s Animal Hospital in Lumberton; Southeastern Veterinary Hospital in Lumberton; South Robeson Veterinary Hospital in Fairmont; North Star Veterinary Hospital in Parkton; and Pembroke Veterinary Hospital in Pembroke.

Costs during SNIP are as follows: female cats, $75; male cats, $60; female dogs less than 40 pounds, $85; female dogs more than 40 pounds, $100; male dogs less than 40 pounds, $80; and male dogs more than 40 pounds, $95.

The procedure, which includes anesthesia and surgery, normally costs as much as $150, depending on the size and breed of the animal.

David Brooks
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_david-brooks.jpgDavid Brooks

By Jaymie Baxley

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Staff writer Jaymie Baxley can be reached at 910-416-5771 or by email at [email protected]