LOOGOOTEE – The Martin County Humane Society in Loogootee now has a low-cost spay/neuter clinic on site thanks to grants from Hoosier Uplands, the Martin County Community Foundation, Petco Foundation, and Daviess-Martin REMC, along with donations from supporters.
The clinic opened in July.
The humane society found itself in a crunch last year when Pets Alive in Bloomington, due to COVID, stopped doing transports. Pets Alive, which is a low-cost spay/neuter clinic, had been driving to Loogootee once a month picking up dogs and cats to be altered and then returning them the next day. The shelter was sending, on average, 30 dogs and cats a month. Indiana also passed a new law that went into effect on July 1, 2021, that requires all rescues and shelters to spay/neuter prior to adoption.
Officials began applying for grants to build onto the shelter and purchase surgery equipment.
The clinic vet is Dr. Alexandra Loughmiller, who is a native of Loogootee, and whose family is very involved in the Martin County community.
Currently, the clinic is only performing spay/neuter surgeries on Wednesdays as Dr. Loughmiller also works as a vet in Bedford and Indianapolis the rest of the week.
Appointments can be requested on the Martin County Humane Society’s website.
Cat spays and neuters are $50. Dogs under 80 pounds are $80 and over 80 pounds are $100 for both males or females.
The clinic also accepts vouchers from Pet-Friendly Services which can be applied for by visiting www.petfriendlyservices.org.
A wellness clinic is also being held on the third Friday of each month from 5 p.m. until-6:30 p.m. and is open to any resident, regardless of where they live. The clinic offers vaccinations, microchipping, disease testing, nail trims, and other services.
The next wellness clinic is scheduled for Friday, September 17.
More information can be found on the humane society’s website.
Anyone who would like to donate toward the non-profit clinic can mail their donation to Martin County Humane Society, 507 N. Oak Street, Loogootee, IN 47553, or to PayPal at info@humanesocietyofmartincounty.org.
