Shelter grant aids spaying, neutering

The Daily Inter Lake

Things are looking up for the Flathead County Animal Control Department.

In addition to getting more staff on board, the shelter also just received a boost in funding from a $5,000 grant from PetSmart Charities.

The money will help fund the shelter's spay and neuter program.

City-County Health Administrator Joe Russell, who recently assumed oversight of the animal control department, said he was unaware the grant had even been applied for until a few weeks ago, but that the $5,000 was a pleasant surprise.

"We do have a budget for alterations," Russell said. "But this will really help."

Currently most spaying and neutering at the shelter is done by the veterinarian Sandy Anderson, who currently comes in once a week. In addition to her work at the shelter, Anderson runs her own veterinary clinic in Lakeside. Russell said Anderson and the county are working together to get a vet in the shelter three days a week.

Russell maintains an animal should not leave the shelter unless it has been altered.

In cases when an animal cannot be altered at the shelter, the county has been offering vouchers to individuals adopting animals.

The vouchers, which offset the cost of alteration, may be redeemed at several animal clinics around the valley.

"There are a lot of vets who have helped us out," Russell said. "They have really stepped up and we appreciate it."

Russell currently is inquiring with Pet Smart Charities to determine whether the grant can be used specifically for alteration supplies such as stitches, gauze and needles or if the money can cover other costs such as staff wages.

Either way, Russell said, the money will be put to good use.

PetSmart Charities is one of the largest funders of animal welfare agencies in the country. Since it was created in 1994, the organization has donated more than $52 million.