Taking Spay-Neuter Clinic On The Road
By Alicia Maluafiti, president, Poi Dogs & Popoki
Roughly 64 percent of animals that enter shelters are euthanized, and many pets are not able to be reunited with their owners because they lack identification. The single most effective solution for reducing euthanasia is sterilization.
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Low-cost spaying and neutering motivates people who cannot or will not pay the full cost for the procedure, and has proven successful in reducing euthanasia rates in communities across the nation.
Recognizing that many of the most serious pet overpopulation challenges arise in underserved communities with limited access to veterinary care, Poi Dogs & Popoki (PDP) began operating The Big Fix, a high-volume, low-cost spay-and-neuter mobile clinic that travels the island.
Our fees are not only one-third the cost of a traditional veterinary hospital, but we also include pain medication and microchip identification. We are a convenient alternative for pet owners — most of whom acknowledge they have never taken their pet to see a vet.
Since March, The Big Fix has sterilized more than 1,000 dogs and cats.
PDP’s nonprofit mission drives the policies of The Big Fix, so we offer payment flexibility and subsidies to people who need the most help, including EBT, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security card holders and the homeless.
One owner had 14 dogs and multiple litters, so we sterilized them all, and he agreed to make monthly payments.
Real estate developer Haseko has sponsored a Feral Feline Fix, which was free to the public. We sterilized 70 feral cats from Campbell High School, Oneula Beach Park and the surrounding Ewa community through Trap-Neuter-Return efforts that involved 20 volunteers and 50 humane traps.
We now are looking for a sponsor to subsidize a clinic for 30 dogs at a homeless camp in a beach park.
A city grant helps cover expenses, but PDP underwrites vehicle costs, medical supplies and prescription drugs through fundraisers, corporate sponsors and donors.
We encourage local businesses to host The Big Fix in their communities to help us reduce pet overpopulation, end euthanasia and build goodwill with pet owners. To learn more about PDP and The Big Fix, go to poidogsandpopoki.org or contact Alicia Maluafiti, president, at alicia@poidogsandpopoki.org.
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