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The Humane Alliance Spay/Neuter Clinic in Asheville, NC has been making a tremendous impact on the animal overpopulation problem in their region since the spring of 1994. William H. McKelvy founded the organization with the mission to provide low-cost spay/neuter services; the non-lethal, responsible solution to the pet overpopulation dilemma. What began as a local effort escalated into a regional endeavor. More than 77,000 companion animals have been spayed and neutered at the facility since the organization opened its doors. The cost of each surgery is subsidized with grants obtained and donations raised through the efforts and commitments of every member of their staff and Board of Directors.
Quita Mazzina, Executive Director, describes the staff as "the heartbeat of the organization, the engine that drives the mission. They have collectively identified boundary-busting solutions for establishing a protocol that is essential to all accomplishments of the Humane Alliance's program journey. Our staff is rare and profound. They are the problem solvers. Their efforts are great and a clear reflection of achievements executed when a staff becomes a team."
Daily operation of the clinic encompasses a wide variety of tasks all addressed by a staff of eleven (3 veterinarians, 1 veterinary technician, 4 veterinary assistants, 1 transport driver, 1 office manager, and a director). The clinic is further privileged by three reliable volunteers. An average of 65 sterilizations are performed each day, with a maximum of 100 surgeries. Morning release and intake begins each day at 7:00 A.M. Surgeries begin at 8:30 A.M. Typically surgeries are completed by 3:00 P.M. Pets are then monitored until fully recovered, snacks are provided, and incision sites are inspected before the surgical staff leaves.
The Humane Alliance is unique in that the organization provides a free transport service in addition to its public services. It is an effective and innovative service that has been implemented through the coordinated efforts of many talented people. The transport system accommodates delivery of homeless pets for rescue organizations, for pets belonging to low-income residents of WNC, and for county shelter pets to our facility for sterilization. This service is provided for 30 non-profit animal welfare organizations in 15 counties, and five county shelter facilities. These groups have a five year demonstrated history of cooperative participation with the clinic. The organizations have, and do, provide comprehensive programs that support adoption guarantee, comprehensive medical treatment, transfer of animals from animal control agencies, foster home networks, and an aggressive spay/neuter component. By 1996 mandatory pre-adopt sterilization was one common goal of animal welfare organizations within western North Carolina (WNC). Statistically, the spay/neuter efforts of these groups confirm a 40% decrease in the number of animals being released to participating shelters. The participating organizations have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to assist in the cost of spay/neuter. The Humane Alliance acquires an additional $150,000.00 per year to subsidize each sterilization. The endeavors of these organizations last year resulted in 13,005 sterilizations and more than 8,400 adoptions. This collaborative effort is well on the way to 15,000 sterilizations this year.
The partnership of these organizations in WNC has been integral to the success of this program. All of the partners agree that spay/neuter is the responsible solution to pet overpopulation and the choice that saves lives. Their purposes are proactive and have served to change the public's perception of their rights and responsibilities regarding their pets. "The people in our communities have to embrace the mission of ending euthanasia. They have to support and endorse adoption of shelter animals. Furthermore, the public has to know that sterilization of companion animals is a responsible solution to pet overpopulation. It is a choice that saves lives. It is imperative that we educate and motivate individuals to choose to be a part of the solution to the homeless pet population."
The Humane Alliance has been privileged to work with supportive local veterinarians who recognize the value of the service which the clinic provides. These veterinarians and their participation in a "free post-operative exam" program is invaluable to the clinic and the cause of animal welfare. Actually, the cooperative effort between the local veterinarians goes a step further. The NCVMA (North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association) has endorsed the efforts of the Humane Alliance and encourages its ongoing endeavors. Cooperation between the private veterinarians and animal welfare organizations is absolutely pivotal to the well-being of companion pets.
The Humane Alliance has distinguished itself locally, nationally, and internationally since the clinic opened its doors in the spring of 1994. The facility has served as a sight for visitations from leaders of organizations throughout the world who share the common goal of ending the pet overpopulation dilemma.
Presently, the clinic has a team preparing a comprehensive blueprint of guidelines for organizations aspiring to open a spay/neuter facility in their own regions. The program will be inclusive of an extensive one week training and development protocol for your entire staff at the clinic in Asheville. A team will then visit your site for two days to implement practices. The Humane Alliance will host a conference in Asheville, 2003 at the Grove Park Inn. Add your name to their mailing list.
If you are interested in learning more about the Humane Alliance consultation program and their upcoming conference, please contact us:
Humane Alliance Spay/Neuter Clinic
231 Haywood St.
Asheville, NC 28801
Telephone: 828-252-2079