Hundreds of cats, dogs to be spayed, neutered in one ZIP code | Pets

Hundreds of cats and dogs in one downtown ZIP code will receive spay/neuter surgeries and rabies vaccinations thanks to a generous grant.

PetSmart Charities has awarded Mid-South Spay & Neuter Services $71,630 to provide spay/neuter surgeries and rabies vaccinations for approximately 598 owned cats and 497 dogs residing in the 38105 area.

In lieu of a co-payment, Mid-South Spay & Neuter Services is accepting “Pay What You Can” contributions from pet owners from the area in order to make up the full amount due at time of surgery.

"We are grateful to PetSmart Charities for setting their sights on Memphis as a place where we can transform our community to impact the lives of animals,” said MSNS Executive Director Stephanie Bennett.

By law, all dogs and cats over six months of age that are kept within the City of Memphis must be spayed or neutered. There are a number of exceptions but, by and large, most pets must be spayed or neutered in order to comply with this law.

Owners of dogs residing in Memphis and Shelby County are required by county ordinance to license their dog yearly and must present proof of rabies vaccine at the time of license issuance.

“By granting us this project, we will make a real, substantial difference in a specific zip code, we can prove that spaying and neutering truly saves lives," said Bennett.

MSNS is dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation and the high city euthanasia rate by offering affordable and often free spay and neuter services to the public.

“MSNS provides the solution to pet overpopulation by providing affordable services that help reduce or remove the economic barriers that may hinder someone from spaying or neutering their pet," said MSNS Board of Directors President Susan Pack Davis.

According to the City of Memphis Director of Parks and Neighborhoods Janet P. Hooks, One of the main goals of Memphis Animal Services is the promotion of responsible pet ownership.

She said that is achieved through education and awareness.

“MAS is excited about this collaboration with Mid-South Spay & Neuter Services," said Hooks.

"And the capacity to concentrate these efforts in an area that will benefit from accessibility to affordable services and ultimately contribute to a reduction in the problem of overpopulation of animals within our community.”

Appointments are required and can be made by calling (901)324-3202.

Clients must show proof of residency in the targeted ZIP code upon time of appointment, including one of the following: a driver’s license, utility bill, property rental lease, landline telephone bill, property tax bill, or bank statement.