Two weeks ago, I was invited to visit (and help at) a High Quality High Volume Spay Neuter (HQHVSN) event, hosted in Harrah WA by Valley Spay and Neuter. Harrah WA is located on the Yakama Reservation and this event was designated for tribal members only.
This 2-day clinic targeted dogs only. There was a $10 co-pay for each dog regardless of size or gender. Each dog also received their DHPP vaccine, Rabies vaccine, a microchip and a cone. Over these 2 days, 99 dogs were spayed and neutered by a team consisting of one veterinarian, Dr Radha Ganesan, two licensed veterinary technicians, multiple veterinary assistants, along with a bevy of trained volunteers. Some of the team for the two days were local and some had traveled from all four corners of the State to participate in this important event.
I walked into the clinic not really knowing what to expect and was immediately thrown into the organized chaos of HQHVSN. Every spare space was taken up by kennels for the 50 plus dogs that would be seen that day. I witnessed the flow from booking the dogs in, pre-op preparation, the procedures themselves, main-recovery (which included a teeth check, nail clippings, and vaccinations), 2nd stage recovery back in the kennels, and discharge back to the dogs owners with post-op instructions and pain medications.
While I was there, I was assigned the task of monitoring the dogs in their kennels as they woke up from the procedure, cleaning little messes, helping with laundry, and learning how to pack up the surgical instruments to be autoclaved.
Valley Spay and Neuter is a new high-volume clinic located on the Yakama Reservation in Harrah WA. This brand new, much needed clinic was opened under Yakima Valley Pet Rescue and Adoption Center (YVPR) earlier this year (May 2024). YVPR has been in operation since 2003 and in that time has assisted with more than 13,000 adoptions. This 501(c)3 animal rescue is fully volunteer run and foster home based. They not only take in animals to assist with their rehoming and veterinary care, but also help their community with financial assistance relating to their animals’ medical bills and alterations.
Yakima County is in dire need of additional veterinarian services. They are without an emergency vet clinic, traditional clinics are rarely taking new patients, and the Humane Society’s spay and neuter clinic is often booked months out. Local rescues, the humane society, and other animal advocates are overloaded with calls and pleas from the public. Calls for dumped litters of puppies and kittens is unfortunately all too common. “The stories we have heard and situations we have personally been called to would keep you up at night. Where do we put these puppies? How do we help them? We are overwhelmed, exhausted, spinning our wheels in the world of rescue with what seems to be no end in sight” says Madison one of the core volunteers.
While assisting at this 2-day event, I spoke further with Madison and Meagan, volunteers with YVPR and the two who set off on this endeavor to open this new spay and neuter clinic. They had been actively involved in YVPR as fosters over the last 3 years and were exhausted by the volume of animals in need. They knew that rescues were reaching a breaking point, and something needed to be done to slow down the supply of these animals. From an initial living room floor discussion came the reality of Valley Spay and Neuter by YVPR.
Dr Merriss Waters of Friday Harbor in WA was instrumental in the process of opening this new spay and neuter clinic. Dr Waters has many years of experience in shelter medicine, as a Medical Director, and HQHVSN work in various states and countries. She connected with Madison and Meagan in the early stages and agreed to become the lead veterinarian for Valley Spay and Neuter. Dr Waters dedicates 3 consecutive days each month to this clinic where they plan anywhere from 100-150 low-cost spay and neuters for the Yakima Valley. The support staff for these 3 consecutive days travel from various parts of WA, all coming together to help get to the root of the issue. In addition to the monthly 3-day clinics, they hold additional specialty HQHVSN clinics as often as they can to start to really make a reduction in the supply of unwanted cats and dogs.
The event I attended was made possible by funding from Forgotten Dogs Rescue and Pawsitive Alliance, and of course by the staff and volunteers themselves. Local businesses provided food for the staff and volunteers over these 2 days and local hotels and Airbnb owners offered discounts to house the staff who traveled to assist.
I was totally amazed by the dedication, the hard work, compassion and thoughtfulness of this team. It was an honor to be able to participate. It also felt so important that this work was being done to try and slow down the supply of unwanted dogs. It is amazing to see so many people and organizations come together for the same cause. We are all in this together.
Valley Spay and Neuter is always in need of more volunteers. If you are the slightest bit inclined to lend a hand at one of these events, or on a monthly basis, please don’t hesitate to reach out and get involved!
If you would like more information about YVPR or Valley Spay and Neuter, you can go to their website, Facebook page, or email [email protected].
