Spay Me! Clinic Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is having my animal spayed or neutered really necessary?
A: Many studies have consistently proven that spayed or neutered animals live longer, healthier lives. Spaying or neutering also helps to significantly decrease unpleasant behaviors such as spraying, roaming and fighting. Spaying and neutering decreases the likelihood of specific types of cancer by up to 90%, and eliminates the possibility of unwanted puppies and kittens. As long as your dog or cat is healthy enough for surgery, having them spayed or neutered is beneficial.
Q: My veterinarian wanted three times as much to spay my dog. How can you provide such affordable services?
A: We are able to provide low cost services simply by focusing on what we do best every day. We DO NOT invest in the availability of other services, services that are important and are provided by your veterinarian. We do not have a full time receptionist, advanced diagnostics such as ultrasound or x-ray, boarding/grooming facilities, or a full-service veterinary pharmacy. Our budget and expenses are entirely centered on providing only the very best in high-volume spay/neuter services.
Q: Will a licensed veterinarian perform the surgery?
A: A licensed, experienced veterinarian performs all of our clinic's surgeries. Susan Roberts, DVM, a Madison native, spent 9 years in community practice before joining Shelter From the Storm. In the second half of 2008, Dr. Roberts performed over 1000 spay or neuter surgeries, far more than most veterinarians. Occasionally, qualified and licensed local veterinarians, committed to our mission, will generously offer their time in our clinic. Doctor Roberts supervises even the most experienced, licensed, volunteer veterinarians in our clinic.
Q: Does my pet not need pain medication to go home?
A: Shelter From the Storm utilizes a very "mainstream," high-quality pain management protocol. Every patient is medicated for pain such that take-home medicine is not necessary. If you are concerned that your pet may be an exception, you can purchase a three day supply of additional take-home pain medication. The price ranges between $10 and $15.
Q: Do you use clean instruments and new supplies for every surgery?
A: Yes. A freshly autoclaved pack of instruments and new, sterile gloves, drapes, syringes, needles, blades and suture are used for each patient. Every surgery is a sterile surgery. We refuse to cut corners when it comes to patient safety.
Q: How many surgeries do you schedule in a day?
A: Usually, we see about 35 patients per day.
Q: Can we bring in our other dog for vaccinations if he's already been neutered?
A: At this time, we only offer vaccinations for our surgery patients.
Q: Your website asks for volunteers for your clinic. Will inexperienced volunteers handle my pet? How can I volunteer?
A: Most of our volunteers help out with housekeeping and preparatory chores that require little technical skill. Sometimes we are fortunate to have experienced professionals volunteer. All volunteers are screened and work under the supervision of our Certified Veterinary Technician. We ask that pet owners who are interested in volunteering NOT volunteer on the same day as their appointment. Please contact Amy at madisonlowcostclinic@yahoo.com if you would like to volunteer.
Q: How can I learn more about high-quality, high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter?
A: Shelter From the Storm utilized several models to develop their program. Learn more by checking out:
http://www.humanealliance.org
http://www.spayusa.org
http://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/javma.233.1.74
