Help Control the Pet Population ...

Did you know that every day 70,000 puppies and kittens are born in this country?  Spay or neuter your pet, it is the most important thing you can do to prevent animal cruelty.

SNIP Vouchers are available through at the SPCA-BC for $10-$50 per animal depending on your income.  Please come by and fill out an application and bring proof of income and a current rabies certificate for your pet.

The SPCA of Brazoria County's Spay/Neuter Intervention Project will host it's annual Mother's Day event at Dr. Sherry Dodson's Angleton Veterinary Clinic on May 14. To qualify for this SNIP event, applicants must meet financial need qualifications, complete the application and return it along with proof of current rabies certificate and payment to SPCA-BC, 141 Canna Lane, Lake Jackson by May 11. Cost is $10 for cats and $20 for dogs. Participants with less financial need also may apply but the charge per animal is commensurate to their income. All animals must be current on their rabies vaccination.

"We have a vision of 100 percent adoption rates at the Southern Brazoria County Animal Shelter," said Tracie Copeland, Executive Director of SPCA-BC. "Our focus is in the Southern part of the county because the Shelter allows us to measure our results, but we are very optimistic that our county government, Angleton, Alvin, West Columbia and some of the other cities will see the incredible value the partnership at the Shelter in Lake Jackson has brought to all parties and citizens and partner with us in a Shelter in the mid-county area.

"In less than three years, we've shown that by working together our needs are not only met, but our expectations have been exceeded. We are making incredible progress toward a community where euthanasia of animals based on space is a thing of the past."

The SPCA-BC began the SNIP program in 2004 when it aligned its tactics with its Vision of 100 percent adoption rates. The organization's focus is four-fold and its primary responsibilities are: 1) Education, 2) Offering low-cost spay/neuter to low-income families, 3) Sheltering, and 4) Adoptions. Working on the first three are the methods by which the fourth (100 percent adoption rates) will be achieved.

The Southern Brazoria County Animal Shelter is a partnership between Clute, Freeport, Lake Jackson and the SPCA-BC. Come by the Shelter to visit your next best friend. To volunteer at the Shelter, the Brazos Mall location or the many off-site events in which the SPCA-BC participates call 979-285-2340, x104 and leave a message.

Fostering Saves Lives, Shares Love

Maxine Thompson has been part of the SPCA of Brazoria County for many years. Not only does she pick up generous food donations from Wal-Mart a few times a week, she has been a champion when called upon to foster kittens who arrive at the Shelter with no mother to care for them. Recently, she ventured into a new role as puppy foster and "had a very hard time letting them all go to new families."

A few days before Christmas, a litter of puppies came in with eyes still closed and in desperate need of 24-hour attention. Their immediate needs were addressed by SPCA-BC staffers, but puppies and kittens need attention around the clock, not just when someone has a break. We knew we couldn't give them the time they needed long-term. An email was sent out to about a hundred SPCA-BC supporters and not one reply came back; it was clear everyone was very busy with their holiday plans or traveling away from their email. We were in a tough spot and had to find someone quickly.

Knowing the heart of Maxine we called her about the puppies. Maxine said she had never fostered puppies, but would certainly help us out. The rest is a story that should be shared far and wide.

"It's always so hard to let the little kittens and puppies go, but it's one of the most gratifying things I've ever done," said Maxine about her time with the foster babies. "The fate of these precious lives is in our hands. People who work at the Shelter can't spend the hours each day it takes to care for newborns without mamas; I encourage any person who has a work situation that would allow them to spend time with these babies 24-7 to join me in providing temporary homes for them. You will never do anything more wonderful."

Fostering is a job that requires a very special person. Most puppies and kittens need to be fed about every two hours. Additionally, they need help to cleanse their colons and bladders. A person with a job that won't allow these precious little babies in the workplace can't be a foster. A person who can't live without a solid night's sleep also can't be a foster. Successful foster parents are those who value the life of the animals enough to make the sacrifices necessary to keep them alive and fully cared-for.

Within weeks we will begin to see hundreds of Spring babies brought in to the shelter--too many for us to care for. You can help save one litter. To sign up to become a foster parent, please call us at 979-285-2340, x104.

March - April Spay/Neuter Event

SPCA of Brazoria County offers low-cost spay/neuter surgery options for all individuals that qualify. Complete the SNIP Application and then come by the Shelter at 141 Canna Lane during business hours to apply. After a payment of $10 for cats and $20 for dogs for qualified applicants, you will be issued a voucher and you may use it at one of our participating veterinarian clinics. See participating clinics below.

Individuals working with feral cat colonies also may apply. Persons who do not meet the financial criteria may apply and will be admitted if space is available. Cost to persons that do not qualify is variable and will be determined at time of application.

All animals must be current on their rabies vaccination. If not, participants will be required to pay the participating veterinarian for the vaccination at time of surgery. The SPCA-BC pays for the surgery only. If you desire pre-surgical blood work or post-surgical pain medicine, you will have to make arrangements with the veterinarian and pay the vet when you pick up your pet.

Any issues such as pregnancy, in heat, cryptorchid or numerous other situations will require additional payment. This payment will be made by you to the vet when you pick up your pet. You, the participant, are responsible for all costs other than the actual surgery. It is your responsibility to discuss these issues with the vet clinic personnel prior to leaving your pet.

Participating vets:
Angleton Animal Hospital
Dr. Sherry Dodson

Brazoria County Veterinary Medical Center
Dr. Manny Sanchez

VCA Lake Jackson Animal Hospital
Dr. Jennifer Holcom
Dr. Bryan Smith
Dr. Dennis Miller

Wild Peach Vet Clinic
Dr. Catherine Dickerson

2006 SPCA Calendar

The 2006 calendar is available for a donation of $10.  It is full of beautiful photos of the animals we love.  Come by the shelter to pick yours up.