To reduce the problem of pet overpopulation in Sacramento County Bradshaw Animal Shelter has partnered with Animal Balance to offer free spay/neuter clinics for both dogs and cats. These temporary clinics, known as Mobile Animal Sterilization Hospital (MASH) clinics, can pop up in different locations to provide nearby spaying and neutering directly to the communities that need them the most. The MASH clinics will address unwanted litters and reduce the number of stray animals in the county.
The spay/neuter clinics will run from March 8 to March 10, at 3331 Peacekeeper Way in McClellan Park. Appointments are required and are open to Sacramento County residents living in the North Highlands and Florin communities for the following specific zip codes: 95828, 95652, 95660, 95841, 95842, and 95843.
“We are dedicated to tackling pet overpopulation in Sacramento County, and we are excited to be able to partner with Animal Balance and bring these essential services where they are most urgently needed,” said Annette Bedsworth, Director of Bradshaw Animal Shelter.
Residents in the North Highlands and Florin zip codes can request appointments starting Tuesday, February 27, at 8 a.m., by calling (916) 875-6274 (MASH) and leaving a message. Calls will be returned in the order they are received to schedule appointments. The clinic can spay/neuter roughly 75 pets per day.
In addition to preventing accidental and unwanted litters, choosing to spay or neuter your pet offers health benefits, including reducing the risk of uterine infections, certain cancers, and prostate disease. It can also help reduce unwanted behaviors such as roaming or marking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the clinics only available to pets in the North Highlands and Florin communities?
After reviewing the data of pets that entered Bradshaw Animal Shelter in 2022, it showed that the greatest number of unaltered stray pets were found in the North Highlands and Florin areas, demonstrating that the need for spay/neuter is the greatest in these communities.
Is there a limit of pets per person?
Appointments can currently be made for up to two pets per person.
Are there any restrictions on the pets that are eligible for spay/neuter?
The clinic is for dogs and cats only. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old, weigh more than 2 lbs., and weigh less than 80 lbs. They will receive a wellness exam prior to surgery to ensure they are candidates for the procedure.
Is proof of residency required?
Yes. Pet owners must provide proof that they reside in the following zip codes: 95828, 95652, 95660, 95841, 95842, or 95843. Acceptable forms of proof include government-issued ID or a piece of mail, such as a utility bill, that includes your name and address.
What services are available for unhoused residents?
Unhoused residents are eligible to receive free spay/neuter services and medical care for their pets through PAWS (Pet Aid and Wellness Services), Bradshaw Animal Shelter’s mobile spay/neuter clinic dedicated to homeless pets. More information about the clinic’s upcoming locations and services can be found on the shelter’s website.
Are any other services offered at the clinic?
Pets that are being spayed/neutered are eligible to receive free microchips, first-time pet licenses, rabies vaccines, DHPP vaccines for dogs, FVRCP vaccines for cats, and treatment for parasites.
Will there be any other clinics?
Additional clinics will take place throughout the year. Specific spay/neuter clinic dates and details will be announced on the shelter’s website.