We are expanding our low-cost Spay and Neuter Assistance Program into Holmes County, Mississippi through our Hope Animal Sanctuary. On Saturday, November 16, 2024, a special free vaccination event was held that not only offered free vaccinations but also offered dog and cat guardians on restricted incomes the opportunity to apply for a free spay or neuter surgery.

We collaborated with Dr. Walter Roberts of Twin Oaks Animal Clinic and Jennifer Sterling Brown Animal Rescue (JSBAR) of Holmes County to provide free first vaccinations for puppies and adult dogs. Participants will have to follow up with a second and third vaccine for puppies and a second for adults. Participants will be asked to enter the clinic for rabies vaccinations, mandated by law for dogs and cats three months and older. A veterinarian must administer this vaccine.

Applications for free spay or neuter surgeries for intact cats or dogs five months and older were offered at the vaccination event. The applications will be approved by us and Dr. Roberts will perform the surgeries.

The importance of vaccinating animal companions in Mississippi cannot be overstated. Canine parvovirus is a killer of many puppies and unvaccinated immune-suppressed dogs in Mississippi. Distemper is another disease that few dogs survive with varied disabilities. Rabies is a certain killer for infected animals and a threat to humans who might encounter rabid animals. Distemper has been mistaken for rabies, so veterinary intervention is necessary.

Our SNAP program can be a lifesaver for the puppies or kittens who would be born with no hope of a caring future. Our program aided 135 dogs and cats in 2024. We are delighted to expand our SNAP program with the cooperation of Dr. Roberts in Lexington, to serve another disadvantaged region. The animal companion overpopulation crisis is a national crisis. JSBAR, a small local non-profit rescue, has spared many dogs and cats from becoming another doomed statistic. Our program compliments the work they’ve begun in Holmes County.

Our Spay and Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) was launched last year and continues to serve Montgomery and Carroll County. The program has already aided 135 dogs and cats. 

Members of the public interested in the low-cost spay and neuter program are encouraged to download and submit an application.

Your donation to In Defense of Animals supporting this program will help reduce the overpopulation of cats and dogs and prevent the suffering of many who would otherwise be born unwanted. Please give if you can and thank you either way for your concern.