High-quality, high-volume spay–neuter: Access to care and the challenge to private practitioners

Abstract

Impact: Low-cost spay–neuter clinics were first established nearly 50 years ago in response to the numbers of dogs and cats euthanized in animal shelters. Since then, high-quality, high-volume spay–neuter (HQHVSN) clinics have been established throughout the USA and have contributed to a significant reduction in animal euthanasia in shelters. These clinics, specializing in efficient systems and surgical techniques, provide an avenue for clients who cannot afford surgery to sterilize their pets. These clinics have also helped animal shelters with limited financial resources implement spay–neuter prior to adoption policies. Response: The veterinary profession’s reaction to HQHVSN clinics has been mixed; some practitioners question the quality of care provided or fear the loss of clientele, while others recognize the need for such clinics and support their development. Challenges: As veterinary education has become more expensive and veterinary care more sophisticated, the cost of veterinary care, including spay–neuter surgery, has risen. With increasing costs, the numbers of pets that receive little or no veterinary care has increased. Indeed, a 2018 survey by the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition documented that more than 25% of pet-owning households in the USA experienced difficulties obtaining veterinary care for their pets and the most frequent barrier was financial. Aim: This review looks at the reality of HQHVSN clinics and what this means for the private practitioner. By adopting similar systems and techniques that lower the cost of spay–neuter surgery, practitioners could potentially pass on cost savings to clients. Moreover, the same principles may be applied to other aspects of basic care to further address access to care issues.