Houston (June 30, 2009) – The Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) announced today that it will be combining its reduced-cost stationary veterinary Spay-Neuter Clinic and its reduced-cost Wellness Clinic into one larger space that will greatly increase its ability to meet the needs of the community.  This expansion is being made possible by a $225,000 grant from PetSmart Charities, which will cover initial lease, renovation and equipment costs.  “SNAP’s spay/neuter program is an excellent example of collaboration,” said Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of PetSmart Charities. “Partnerships like these are the key to successful, low-cost spay/neuter in local communities.”

SNAP currently operates the two individual clinics, less than one mile from each other off of Interstate 10 and Shepherd/Durham.  The new facility will be an expansion of the current Wellness Clinic, which will take advantage of the adjacent 3,450 sq. ft. property, making the new space a total of 4,575 sq. ft.  This expansion will triple the current Spay-Neuter Clinic space and double the holding capacity for surgery patients.   In addition, the new space will allow for more wellness clients and provide a larger waiting area for all clientele.  Wait times for SNAP’s low-cost wellness services have greatly increased, often filling the waiting area to capacity.  Current wait times for surgery are between 3-8 weeks, depending on the size of the animal.  By combining and expanding its current facilities, SNAP will greatly reduce all wait times and be able to serve twice as many clients, providing an estimated 20,000 surgeries annually.

“We are excited to enhance our efforts to reduce animal overpopulation in Houston,” said Dr. Jim Weedon, executive director of SNAP.  “This new facility will allow us to offer additional assistance to low-income clients, as well as expand reduced-cost services to the general public.  This would not be possible without the grant from PetSmart Charities, a valued partner and a constant champion for Houston’s animal community.”

Build out on the new facility will start in July 2009, with a projected completion of January 2010.  An additional $150,000 is still needed to cover the cost of equipment and remodeling for the new facility.  Many funding opportunities exist and donations of any amount will go toward helping provide this vital service in Houston.  To learn more, or to make a donation, please contact Laura Welch, SNAP’s development director, at lwelch@snapus.org or by calling 713-862-3863.

About SNAP:

SNAP, the recipient of the 2009 Pinnacle Award from the Better Business Bureau, is a 501(c)(3) organization that operates in Houston, and San Antonio, Texas, with a mission to prevent the suffering and death of cats and dogs due to overpopulation, especially in low-income areas. SNAP envisions a world without homeless dogs and cats. Both Houston and San Antonio have expressed the desire to become “no kill” cities in the near future. SNAP recognizes that sterilization programs, which by definition reduce the number of animals that could possibly be born, are essential to these communities’ reaching that desired status. SNAP will focus on helping these cities reach their goal by designing, delivering, promoting, and advancing community-based animal sterilization services. For more information about SNAP and its programs, visit www.snapus.org.