By Taylor Boyd
The Blue Ridge Animal Welfare League (BRAWL) is hosting a low-cost spay/neuter shuttle for Patrick County residents on Monday, Dec. 29.
BRAWL Vice President Lynn Chipkin said the $50 fee includes a rabies vaccine.
“If it’s the primary, if it’s their first one, then it’s a one-year” vaccine, she said. “If they have proof of subsequent vaccines that are still in date or not too far out of date, then they could get a three-year” vaccine.
The shuttle is by appointment only. Those interested should fill out the form on the group’s website to reserve a spot for this shuttle, which will include 14 dogs and 20 cats.
Dogs must be younger than 6 years old and under 50 pounds, and cats must be friendly and in carriers. There is a limit of two pets per owner.
Chipkin said Angels of Assisi, a Roanoke-based animal shelter, will pick up the animals that morning and return them the same afternoon.
Because of the expense, Chipkin is unsure when the next spay/neuter shuttle will be held.
“Each one is very expensive for us. We’re only charging the public $50, but that’s not what Angels is charging us. It’s very expensive,” she said.
To help cover the cost, Chipkin said BRAWL is seeking sponsors and/or donors.
“If people want to sponsor shuttles, we would certainly advertise their name. That would be great because each one costs us over $1,000. Like this one with all the cats and dogs, it is going to be tremendously expensive for us, and we’re a new organization,” she said.
Chipkin said BRAWL’s November rabies vaccination day was a success, with 57 cats and dogs vaccinated. She expects the next event to be held in the spring.
For more information, visit Facebook.com/BlueRidgeAnimalWelfareLeague or blueridgeawl.org.
To donate:
Online: Click the “Donate” button on the website.
By mail: Send checks to P.O. Box 184, Woolwine, VA 24185.
Pet food donations may be dropped off at Pet Provisions in downtown Stuart.
