by Susan Schabacker

Central Spay Neuter and Wellness Clinic in Kernersville is a licensed veterinary practice that provides low cost spay and neuter services, vaccinations, heartworm testing, microchipping, and wellness medications for both the general public and area animal rescue groups.  A dedicated staff of two regular veterinarians, two alternate veterinarians, and six support personnel provide a friendly, caring, and welcoming environment.

“We are pleased to be able to help the public and enhance the lives of animals in our community by offering high quality, professional services at reasonable prices,” said Carol Nelson, the Director of Save The Animals, the non-profit organization that provides the facility and equipment for the clinic practice.  Central Spay Neuter and Wellness Clinic is a place where the interests of people and paws can come together.

By reducing the overall pet population, Central Spay Neuter and Wellness Clinic helps prevent the problem of stray animals, which leads to unhappy, hungry, and homeless dogs and cats.  “There are too many unwanted animals flooding our local shelters.  Fixing our community one pet at a time is our mission,” said Carol.

Taking responsibility for animals’ lives by spaying and neutering them has many additional benefits.  Spaying or neutering a canine can increase the dog’s life, on average 1 to 3 years.  For cats, spaying or neutering can increase their lifespan by 3 to 5 years.  Female pets can live a longer, healthier life with protection from uterine infections, breast cancer, and diseases.

If neutering is administered before 6 months of age, testicular cancer in male dogs can be prevented and some behavior issues, such as aggression, territorial marking, and humping can be avoided.

Male pets may also be less inclined to tear things up around the house and run away from home.  Having an animal spayed or neutered at Central Spay Neuter and Wellness Clinic is affordable and cost-effective in terms of helping prevent unwanted health or behavioral problems.  By having their pet fixed the pet owner can avoid the expense of food and health-related costs for unplanned litters.

“Usually, on a week-to-week basis, about 30% to 50% of our surgeries are for non-profit rescue organizations or for animal control departments from a number of surrounding counties.  People interested in adding a pet to their family can go to either their county animal control department adoption shelter or to numerous rescue organizations across our area that always have animals available for adoptions into new loving homes.  Almost all of the rescue groups and the county operated shelters will have the pet being adopted both spayed or neutered and vaccinated prior to its release to a new home.

Since the facility opened in 2004, focusing primarily on performing spaying and neutering surgeries, approximately 8,000 procedures have been performed annually.  The clinic, open Monday through Thursday, was the first program of its kind in NC to be modeled after the Asheville Humane Alliance Spay Neuter Clinic.

With a state-of-the-art surgical preparation room, kennels that hold up to 80 animals, and a 5,000 square foot facility, Central Spay Neuter and Wellness Clinic is well-equipped for helping animals.

“This facility was designed to be a regional clinic, and we can transport animals in our van from as far away as a 90 minute drive time, thereby making our services available to rescue groups and publicly owned animals in outlying areas without the need for their owner’s to have to do the driving to reach us.” said Carol.

“Our van can pick up as many as twenty-five pets in carriers.  We bring them to our facility and return them spayed or neutered, and if requested, vaccinated following post-surgical recovery.  This service can be utilized by local neighborhood groups or businesses that want to offer their employees the convenience of our pick-up and delivery services for a minimum group of fifteen animals.

We are privileged to work with a wide variety of shelters, humane societies, and other animal welfare organizations across numerous counties of the Piedmont Triad.  Without their tireless efforts to sterilize animals, we would not be able to manage nearly the volume of surgery that is needed in our area.  Our clinic, however, is also open to anyone from the general public who is seeking sterilization, vaccination, or wellness services for their pets,” said a staff member at Central Spay Neuter and Wellness Clinic.

“We do not treat sick or injured animals, but we can give yearly booster shots of vaccines.  Most general practice vets recommend a wellness check once a year and we suggest that every pet owner should establish a relationship with a full service general practice veterinarian for the long term healthcare of their pets, including health checks and treatment of any illness or injury,” said Carol.

The number one vaccine the clinic administers is the rabies vaccine, which is required by the state of North Carolina.  Rabies is a communicable, potentially fatal disease, and every year there are reports about outbreaks in foxes and raccoons that can be transferred to domestic animals.

“The first vaccine should be given at about 4-5 months of age, followed by a booster shot at around one year old.  The second booster shot and boosters from that point forward last three years, making it a low cost way to prevent a potentially deadly virus.  Distemper/ Parvo vaccines are also highly recommended.

Another vaccine that is commonly given is the Bordatella vaccine, or “kennel cough.”  Though not required by the state of NC, this is a good idea if you go out of town a lot and have your dog boarded.

Although the clinic does not provide general boarding for animals, they do sometimes keep an animal overnight for extended recovery if the need presents itself.

The staff at Central Spay Neuter and Wellness Clinic is paws-itively passionate about helping animals and keeping the public informed.  You can find helpful tips and tidbits on caring for your dog or cat on their website www.CentralSpay.com.  In addition to information about Central Spay Neuter and Wellness Clinic, they have useful articles, including tips on handling fleas, improving arthritis, and treating Addison’s disease.

“We receive a tremendous number of calls every day from people requesting information about our services.  They may want to know anything from our hours and scheduling availability to general healthcare information,” said Carol.

The Central Spay Neuter and Wellness Clinic always appreciates volunteer help for answering these very important phone calls.  The clinic also can utilize volunteer help in either distributing printed materials at community events or help in raising awareness.