The Daviess County Spay/Neuter Clinic at the Animal Shelter held a grand opening Thursday morning after a week of packed surgeries.
Director Ashley Thompson said the shelter, located at 2620 KY-81, has been working on getting the clinic in the area for almost 14 years, so she is excited about the future now that its open.
The 1,900-square-foot clinic contains space for two surgery tables, preparation tables, two holding rooms for cats and dogs lined with kennels, and a separate room for feral cats.
Dr. Julie Gray, county veterinarian, said they have been performing surgeries in the new space since July 6, doing roughly 13 to 18 surgeries daily — which she said is still a conservative number.
They plan to perform about 30 surgeries per day as they become more adjusted to the space and have more room for staff. Gray said that they also have a group of interns on staff that are students from the Owensboro Community & Technical College veterinary program.
“We’re slowly getting our flow down pat putting things where we want it and getting things organized,” Gray said.
Gray said most of the animals coming in for services are from county residents, and only a small amount come from inside the shelter. She said it takes about 9 hours including preparation, surgery and recovery to do a procedure.
The recovery area — which is called The Beach — is a matted area with warming blankets and other comforting items that the animal will wake up to after their surgery.
Gray is excited to address the overpopulation of animals in the community and hopes to lower the euthanasia rate.
“We are begging the general public to do what they can to help us by spaying and neutering your own pet,” Gray said. “If you can foster, that will help get these animals into homes, allow us to provide shelter for incoming animals, and hopefully reduce the euthanasia rates.”
For general inquiries about spay/neuter, contact Spay A Stray at 270-925-1720.
