New spay/neuter service in Bakersfield

Angel Dogs Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mobile spay/neuter services and education and outreach to Los Angeles and Kern Counties has begun providing spay/neuter services in Bakersfield.

Lisa Tipton, founder of Angel Dogs Foundation, explains her organization’s mission simply. “Our goals are to reduce impound and euthanasia rates at L.A. County and Kern shelters, and to educate the public to assist in eradicating the companion animal overpopulation crisis. We'd like to make spay and neuter more affordable and convenient for every pet owner, and to create a sustainable, self-supporting mobile spay/neuter program that will become a part of the community for many years.”

Lisa began her interest in curbing the number of homeless pets through organizing the first free Bakersfield Spay/Neuter Day in 2006, describing the response from the community as “astounding.”

“We were told nobody would care. We got 1,000 phone calls in a matter of hours for 100 available appointments.”

In response to what she sees as a tremendous need, Tipton’s organization searched for sponsors for a mobile clinic. Found Animals Foundation, PetSmart Charities and Coalition for Pets and Public Safety made grants that made it possible to launch the program. They and took to the streets, first in Lancaster, Palmdale, Littlerock and Lake Los Angeles, and are now ready to serve Bakersfield. Their 31-foot long mobile clinic, sponsored by the Coalition for Pets and Public Safety, is outfitted with the latest veterinary equipment available, and their veterinarians and veterinary technicians are trained in High Volume and pediatric sterilization procedures.

Angel Dogs Foundation’s Medical Director is Jennifer McDougle, DVM, who was the first Kern County Animal Control shelter veterinarian. Dr. McDougle continues to practice in Bakersfield and joined the organization to play an active part in reducing the number of homeless pets in Kern County.

Angel Dogs Foundation will be parking their mobile clinic at the Kern County Animal Control facility, 201 S. Mt. Vernon Ave., on the first three Wednesdays of the month, if there is enough demand for the services they provide.

Tipton emphasizes that the quality of the care provided in their mobile clinic is first-rate.

“Our vets are specially trained in high volume, high quality spay/neuter techniques. People may think they are being provided an inferior service because we are in a mobile clinic, but we use the best equipment, our vets are highly skilled, and the outcome is the same.”

Fees for spaying and neutering are $110 for dogs and $90 for cats, including a free Avid microchip and a rabies vaccination. Other yearly vaccinations are available for dogs and cats for an additional $10. There are no additional charges, and each pet is given a post-surgery pain injection to keep them comfortable. Angel Dogs does accept vouchers from local organizations, further bringing down the cost of the procedure.

The one thing Angel Dogs Foundation needs from the community are people filling up their appointment books.

Says Tipton, “In order to stay financially viable and continue to operate, we have to fill up our appointments. Every dollar that is donated goes directly to the program and will lower the prices for everyone. We welcome corporate sponsors that may be looking for an advertising opportunity.”

To schedule an appointment for spay/neuter services call toll-free (888) 504-SPAY (7729) or email appointments@angeldogsfoundation.org. To find out more about Angel Dogs Foundation, go to their web site at www.angeldogsfoundation.org.