SAFE Care Spay and Neuter Clinic heeded the call to help beagles saved from a puppy farm in Virginia. Being spayed or neutered was these sweet dogs’ last stop before adoption by a loving family.

On Sunday, August 14, the SAFE Care Clinic sterilized 49 beagles – 48 male and one female – saved from the animal experimentation facility. Thousands of beagles were rescued from a facility in Virginia that bred dogs to sell to laboratories for animal experimentation. A federal judge ordered the release of approximately 4,000 dogs from the facility owned by Envigo after it was found in violation of several federal regulations. The U.S. Humane Society worked with federal authorities to rehome the dogs, and rescue groups across the country took them in.

“It was all hands on deck here on Sunday,” said Dr. Tiffany Kutner, Medical Director of the SAFE Care Clinic. “We had three vets, extra vet techs, and volunteers to ensure each dog had a smooth procedure.”

All 49 dogs were spayed or neutered plus received a physical examination, rabies and distemper vaccinations, nail trimming, pre-op pain injection, heartworm medication and an e-collar. They then went to foster homes until they can be matched with their forever families.

The SAFE Care Clinic is asking the community to help pay for the fixes of these sweet dogs. A donation of $20 to the Clinic will close the cost gap to care for each rescued pup. Donate at safecareclinic.org/donate.

“The SAFE Care Clinic is a safety net for our community,” said Pam Miller, Founder of the SAFE Care Clinic. “We are here to help, regardless of the cost, to ensure that every pet has a chance at a long life in a loving home.”

Since 2001, the SAFE Care Clinic has helped address the pet overpopulation problem in Wake, Durham, Orange, Franklin, Johnston, Granville and Harnett counties by offering low-cost spay and neuter services for cats and dogs. The Clinic has fixed more than 41,000 cats and dogs since its opening.

Triangle Beagle Rescue will coordinate the adoption of all the hounds that have come to the area.

In the News

• CBS17 – Raleigh-area animal rescue groups team up to help beagles from mass breeding facility
• ABC11 – ‘They’re so joyous’: Raleigh rescue looking for forever homes for beagles rescued from VA puppy farm

Does your cat or dog need to be spayed or neutered? Now’s the time to make your appointment!

Getting your pet fixed helps control overpopulation and reduce euthanasia. It can also help your pet live a longer, happier life! Here are 4 myths about sterilization you should know.

Myth: “I should let my cat or dog go into heat at least once.”
Truth: The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends all cats and dogs be spayed or neutered by 5 months old.

Myth: “It’s expensive to have my pet spayed/neutered.”
Truth: The SAFE Care Clinic will work with you to get your pet fixed. Our staff can help those who cannot pay for the service. Do not hesitate to get an appointment!

Myth: “It’s painful for my pet.”
Truth: During a spay or neuter surgery, cats and dogs are fully anesthetized, so they feel no pain. All animals spayed at the SAFE Care Spay/Neuter Clinic receive pain medication before their surgeries and they return to normal activities after about a day. We also offer pain medication to go home for an additional fee.

Myth: “It’s not safe for my pet.”
Truth: While all surgery comes with some risk, spaying/neutering is essential for your pet’s health and safety. Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, which is fatal in about 90 percent of cats and dogs. Besides preventing unwanted litters, neutering your male companion prevents testicular cancer, if done before six months of age according to the ASPCA.

Need help in paying for this important care? There are funds available for our low-cost spaying/neuter services. Request an appointment now!

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Spay and Neuter is Good for Your Dog!
Fixing your dog will not only help reduce the number of homeless dogs but also help your dog be healthier! Here are a few benefits:

• • Spaying or neutering your dog can actually reduce the risk of specific cancers and infections.
  • Alteration surgery may reduce some of the negative behaviors that are the result of a dog’s mating instinct.
  • Research has shown that fixing your dog can mean a longer life expectancy. That means more time with you!

How can you keep your cat or dog happy and healthy at home?

• • Exercise! Going for walks or moving around the house with your furry friend can help them stay physically active.
  • Play a game. Just like you, your dog or cat can get bored. Help them stay mentally engaged by throwing a ball with your dog, playing with a cat toy or hiding treats for them to find.
  • Feed your pet a nutritious, healthy diet. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight will help them live longer and reduce the chance of obesity-related health problems.
  • Protect them from parasites. Use preventatives to help reduce the chance of flea, ticks and heartworms. These parasites aren’t just outdoors and are a significant risk to your dog or cat so keep them safe!

Spay and Neuter is Good for Your Dog!
Fixing your dog will not only help reduce the number of homeless dogs but also help your dog be healthier! Here are a few benefits:

• • Spaying or neutering your dog can actually reduce the risk of specific cancers and infections.
  • Alteration surgery may reduce some of the negative behaviors that are the result of a dog’s mating instinct.
  • Research has shown that fixing your dog can mean a longer life expectancy. That means more time with you!