SPCA Florida Celebrates Healthy Animals and Humane Communities with Holiday Specials

Free Rabies Vaccines to Animals in Income-qualified Families, Half-off Spay/Neuter Surgeries, and Reduced Adoption Prices

LAKELAND, Fla., Dec. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This holiday season SPCA Florida is giving back to the community in three big ways: free rabies vaccinations to animals in income-qualified Polk County families, half-off spay and neuter surgeries, and discounted dog and cat adoption fees.  All programs take place now through the end of the year. 

"SPCA Florida is committed to a new vision of building humane communities across Florida, starting at home in Polk County," said Sean Hawkins, SPCA Florida CEO.

Protecting Animals and People with Free Rabies Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats

Leading the way for happy, healthy animals, SPCA Florida has partnered with Merck Animal Health and Webster Veterinary Supply to protect animals and people from rabies with free vaccinations through our Wellness Wagon mobile clinic every Sunday in December. 

"We are thrilled Polk County Animal Control has joined the effort to protect animals and people from rabies by offering free county dog and cat license for animals in income-qualified families," Hawkins said.  SPCA Florida is targeting low-income areas where cost, transportation and the lack of veterinary services are obstacles to obtaining preventative animal healthcare. The vaccination clinics will take place every Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. at the following locations: December 16 at Eagle Ridge Mall Food Court Entrance, 451 Eagle Ridge Drive, Lake Wales, FL 33859; December 23 at Bartow Civic Center, 2250 South Floral Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830; and December 30 at Advance Auto Parts, 2 6th Street Northeast, Fort Meade, FL 33841.

To qualify for free rabies vaccinations and county licenses for dogs and cats, the animal guardian must demonstrate proof of participating in one of the following needs-based public assistance programs: Children's Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), Major VA Disability, Food Stamps, Medicaid, Free Lunch Program (Public Schools), Social Security Disability (SSD), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), HUD Section 8 Housing, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) - Formerly AFDC.

Give the Gift That Stops Giving: Half-off Spay or Neuter Surgeries

Anyone can take advantage of "the gift that stops giving" this holiday season with SPCA Florida's half-off spay and neuter surgery special.   

"By expanding access to affordable spay and neuter services, SPCA Florida can help the community prevent homeless animals from entering our shelter," said Hawkins.  "Fully engaging the community in the root cause of dog and cat overpopulation keeps animals healthy and addresses the needs of both animals and people, increasing compassion and decreasing the need for traditional shelter capacity," said Hawkins.

The discounted spay and neuter surgeries range from $16 to $36.50 for cats and $25 to $92.50 for dogs depending on the animal's weight. Sterilization fees include pain medication, but extra charges may apply for hernia repair or additional services.  

Animal guardians must mention the "Half-off Holiday" promotional code and either show proof of current rabies vaccination or purchase a rabies vaccination with the spay or neuter surgery.  There is no limit on the number of dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered per household, but appointments are required. Dogs and cats will be available for pick-up the same day as their scheduled surgery. For more information, or to make an appointment, please call the McClurg Animal Medical Center at (863) 646-4647.

A Home for Every Dog and Cat this Holiday

To make sure every dog and cat finds a forever home this holiday season, SPCA Florida is discounting adoption fees in its Animal Adoption Center. Cat adoption fees are $10, reduced from $55, and SPCA Florida will waive the second feline adoption fee. Adoption fees for large dogs, 40 pounds and up, are $50, reduced from an average of $100, and fees for small dogs, 39 pounds and under, are $100, reduced from an average of $200.

Prior to adoption, SPCA Florida invests approximately $254 per cat and $315 per dog for medical examinations, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, microchip implant, and flea or heartworm preventative.

Keeping with the spirit of the holidays, SPCA Florida will send every adopted animal home with toys for his or her stocking.  Adopters may preview the large variety of dogs and cats of all ages and breeds online, www.spcaflorida.org/pet-adoption, then visit them in person at 5850 Brannen Road South, in Lakeland, FL. For questions on animal adoptions, call (863) 646-7722.

About SPCA Florida

Founded in 1979, SPCA Florida is on track to serve 50,000 patients through the McClurg Animal Medical Center and provide direct care to more than 6,000 animals in Polk County this year through the Animal Adoption Center. Ani-Meals, which provides food and medical treatment for animals whose guardians are low-income, and the Guardian Angel Program, which provides medical treatment to animals in need, serve thousands more animals yearly. SPCA Florida's full-service McClurg Animal Medical Center provides affordable veterinary care for animals every day. Find out more about SPCA Florida or support us by visiting www.spcaflorida.org.

Contact:
Jessica Lawson
Manager of Media Relations
SPCA Florida
O: (863) 646-7722 ext. 105
C: (386) 986-8093
[email protected]

SOURCE SPCA Florida