Alaska Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Dr. Gerald Wooldridge, AK License #8, is one of the best and most experienced veterinarians in Alaska and has many clients who will attest to that assertion. We are grateful for his dedication and expertise and recently recognized him (above) for helping animals in the State of Alaska since he arrived in 1966. Surgery Requirements: • Surgeries are not performed on any animal younger than four months of age or older than 5 years. • Animals one year of age or older must be spayed or neutered in order to receive any services (other than the spay/neuter surgery). • Surgeries are performed Monday-Friday by appointment. • Appointments for surgeries may be made Monday-Friday 9 am to 6 pm, and Saturdays 9 am to 5 pm. • Surgeries must be pre-paid at least 24 hours in advance of surgery date. Surgery fees: Male Cat Neuter - $40 Male Dog Neuter - $65 Male Rabbit Neuter - $65 Female Cat Spay - $65 Female Dog Spay - $80 Vaccination fees: Distemper - $10 (feline) Rabies - $15 Leukemia - $12 Bordetella (injection) - $12 Distemper/Parvo combination - $16 Other Services: Cat AVID Microchip* - $20 Dog AVID Microchip* - $30 Feline Leukemia Test - $20 Cat Nail Trim - Free Dog Nail Trim - $10 ($5 with vaccinations) Health Certificate - $40 ($10 each add'l) Municipal Dog License available Information about microchips is available by calling 562-2999 or visiting the AVID Microchips FAQ page. Financial Aid Available:* Friends of Pets in Anchorage offers a voucher to help offset the cost of a spay or neuter surgery through their S.N.A.P. program. What do the terms "Spay" and "Neuter" mean? Female dogs and cats are "spayed" by removing their reproductive organs, and male dogs and cats are "neutered" by removing their testicles. In both cases the operation is performed while the pet is under anesthesia and in most cases, he or she will stay at the Clinic for only a few hours. Call us and we can explain spay and neuter procedures to you or answer any questions you might have. Why should I have my pet spayed or neutered? It's Good for your Pet's Health • Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives. • Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat. • Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet is spayed before her first estrous cycle. • Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate disease. It's Good For You • In most cases, spaying and neutering makes pets better, more affectionate companions. • Neutering cats makes them less likely to spray and mark territory. • Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle. Estrus lasts an average of six to 12 days, often twice a year, in dogs and an average of six to seven days, three or more times a year, in cats. Females in heat can cry incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male animals. • Unsterilized animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than do those who have been spayed or neutered. • Spaying and neutering can make pets less likely to bite. It's Better For The Community • Communities spend millions of tax dollars to control unwanted animals. • Neutering makes pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away, or get into fights. • Irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of dog bites and attacks. • Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals. • Stray pets and homeless animals get into trash containers, defecate in public areas or on private lawns, and frighten or anger people who have no understanding of their misery or needs. • Some stray animals scare away or kill birds and wildlife. Map to the Spay Clinic Look for this big sign off International Airport Road (between Arctic Blvd. and C St.)		SPAY CLINIC @ A GLANCE SPCA Spay Clinic 549 W. Int'l Airport Rd. Suite B-2 Anchorage, AK 99518 (907) 562-2999 clinic@alaskaspca.org Clinic Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 am-6 pm Saturday, 9 am-5 pm Closed Sunday & major holidays Vaccination Clinic: Mon-Fri 1-4 pm Saturday 12-4 pm Spay Clinic Staff: Dr. Wooldridge, D.V.M. Diane, Office Manager Lori, Vet Tech Myths & Facts about Spaying & Neutering Myth: My pet will get fat and lazy. Fact: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don't give them enough exercise. Myth: It's best to let the animal have one litter first. Fact: Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Myth: Children should experience the miracle of birth. Fact: Even if children are able to see a pet give birth — which is unlikely, since it usually occurs at night and in seclusion — the lesson they will really learn is that animals can be created and discarded as it suits adults. Instead, it should be explained to children that the real miracle is life itself, and that preventing the birth of some pets can save the lives of others. Myth: It's too expensive Fact: Spay or neuter surgery is a one-time cost — and a relatively small cost when compared to all the benefits. Also, consider the costs of having a litter and ensuring the health of the mother and litter; two months of pregnancy and another two months until the litter is weaned; significant veterinary bills if complications of the pregnancy develop; and additional food expenses. Surgery is a small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of the births of more unwanted pets. Did you know? Only 10% of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered.
Make a donation and save a life! The Alaska SPCA is a private, non-profit organization funded by donations and proceeds from our thrift shop. We do not receive any funding from government sources, nor are we affiliated with any national organization. All proceeds from our services benefit our shelter animals and programs. Thank you on behalf of all the animals!