The new surgical center, which is a result of community efforts to address low-cost sterilization services and basic wellness, has officially opened its doors in the Saginaw County Animal Care & Control facility.
Community-Driven Initiative
The surgical center was the brainchild of community members who identified critical needs, specifically low-cost sterilization services, basic wellness, microchipping, and vaccinations. Animal Control staffers worked closely with other shelters, directors, and veterinarians to study the operations, staffing, equipment, and workflows of similar clinics.
- Community members identified the need for low-cost sterilization services, basic wellness, microchipping, and vaccinations.
- Animal Control staffers connected with other shelters, directors, and veterinarians to study the operations, staffing, equipment, and workflows of similar clinics.
- The Surgical Center offers faster medical clearance for shelter animals, improves adoptability, and fosters stronger relationships with rescue partners.
A Progressive Approach to Animal Care
The Saginaw County Animal Care & Control shelter has a progressive and community-focused approach, implementing life-saving strategies that focus on keeping pets with their families, reducing unnecessary shelter intake, and improving outcomes for animals.
“…We are an ally offering compassionate, accessible services that lift the entire community,” said Rachel Horton, Animal Control Director. “…We are an ally offering compassionate, accessible services that lift the entire community,” said Rachel Horton, Animal Control Director.
She described the shelter as having a progressive and community-focused approach, implementing life-saving strategies that focus on keeping pets with their families, reducing unnecessary shelter intake, and improving outcomes for animals.
Services Offered
The Surgical Center offers a range of low-cost services and preventative veterinary care, including:
- Dog sterilization, $150
- Cat sterilization, $50
- Vaccine packages, $25-$50
- Microchipping, $25
- Euthanasia and disposal, $100-$150
- Deworming, $8-$15
- Flea/tick and heartworm prevention
A Record-Breaking Year for the Shelter
In 2024, the shelter completed 734 pet adoptions, reunited 206 pets with their owners, and provided options to 537 potential owner-surrenders, helping people keep their pets. The shelter also boasted a live-release rate of 76.7%, up from 55.4% in 2023, a significant increase in adoptions, reunifications, and rescue placements.
| 2024 Statistics | 2023 Statistics |
|---|---|
| Adoptions: 734 | Adoptions: 555 |
| Reunions: 206 | Reunions: 155 |
| Live-release rate: 76.7% | Live-release rate: 55.4% |
Recognition and Awards
The shelter received the Shelter of the Year Award by Keep it Humane and Saving More Animals Responsibly Together (SMART). Animal Control Officer Abbe Balderstone was also named Animal Control Officer of the Year by the Michigan Pet Alliance.
A New Era for Animal Care in Saginaw County
The opening of the Surgical Center marks a new era for animal care in Saginaw County, with a focus on providing compassionate, accessible services that lift the entire community. As the shelter continues to transform and grow, it remains committed to its mission of keeping pets with their families, reducing unnecessary shelter intake, and improving outcomes for animals.
Adoption Fees
Adoption fees for dogs are $125, while adoption fees for cats are $50. These fees support the shelter’s mission and allow it to provide essential services to the community.
Community Support
The success of the Surgical Center is a testament to the power of community support. The shelter relies on donations and volunteers to continue providing essential services to the community.
Get Involved
Want to get involved and make a difference in the lives of animals in Saginaw County? Visit the Saginaw County Animal Care & Control website or follow them on social media to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how you can support the shelter’s mission.
Stay Informed
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates from the Saginaw County Animal Care & Control by bookmarking their website or signing up for their newsletter.
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