The latest JAVMA is out. The paper <link> profiling spay-neuter clinic clients and pets is of profound interest to animal health pros who sometimes refer to these locations as price competitors. Note the high percentage of animals without basic rabies protection.
Respondents indicated that 49% of dogs and 77% of cats had not been examined previously by a veterinarian, except during vaccine clinics. Among animals ≥ 4 months of age, 1,144 of 1,416 (81%) cats and 572 of 1,794 (32%) dogs had not received a rabies vaccination. Previous litters were reported for 204 of 716 (28%) queens and 153 of 904 (17%) bitches. Most clients’ (53%) household income was < $30,000 annually. Common reasons for clinic choice included cost; friend, neighbor, or family recommendation; and good reputation.
Source: JAVMA, September 15, 2018. Link. Conclusions and Relevance for study referenced above:
Nonprofit spay-neuter clinics predominantly served low-income clients and animals lacking regular veterinary care, in addition to animals from shelters and community cats. These clinics increase access to services needed for animal population control and public health. <link>
INSIGHTS: Animal health pros need to seriously consider these data in the context of population medicine. Every non-vaccinated and non-examined animal leaves a hole in our prevention approach to animal disease. Instead of fighting these locations as competitors, it is time to lend them a hand. The spay-neuter environment lends itself to repetition of basic skills for new graduates. Consider sharing a DVM for four hours twice a month. It will be good for the DVM and keep your practice exposed to the public, too.