Have you heard about the Ontario SPCA’s Neuter Scooter Pilot Program?

At the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, we’re working to keep animals with the people who love them. There are many people facing barriers accessing basic animal wellness services, including spay/neuter procedures. One of the ways we are making access to this care more accessible is through our new Neuter Scooter pilot program.  

All aboard the Ontario SPCA Neuter Scooter 

One of the ways we are delivering spay/neuter services to underserved communities is through the Ontario SPCA’s new Neuter Scooter pilot program. Transportation is a barrier in communities facing financial insecurities, particularly in rural communities with limited access to services. 

Through this initiative, we transport animals to partner-run high-volume spay/neuter clinics to be spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. The animals are then transported back to their families or the rescue organizations caring for them.   

“The purpose is to provide greater access to spaying and neutering services, and to remove barriers for those who do not drive or have access to transportation,” says Bonnie Bishop, Eastern Regional Manager, Community Outreach Services, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. 

In addition to reducing animal overpopulation and reducing the number of homeless animals in shelters, providing accessible spay/neuter and wellness services to underserved individuals in our communities allows them to focus their resources and energy on other critical areas of their life, such as food, housing, and access to health care. 

“In speaking with members of the communities we serve, we know that transportation to and from veterinary appointments is a barrier for some pet parents. Our Neuter Scooter transportation program eliminates barriers to spay/ neuter services, provides greater access, ensures pets receive the spay/ neuter services they need and assists with the overpopulation issue,” says Bonnie. 

The Neuter Scooter has helped 258 cats receive the basic care that they require, preventing more than an estimated 18,000 potentially unwanted kittens through spay/neuter procedures. 

How does it work? 

A registration link is posted to the Ontario SPCA website. Once registered for the event, an email is sent outlining the drop-off and pick-up location, as well as crate requirements. The animal’s name and details are forwarded to the spay/neuter clinic, which then contacts the pet parent to discuss surgery details, obtain signed consent form, and discuss pre-op and post-op care. 

On the day of the event, the transport vehicle arrives at the designated pick-up location, carefully loads and secures the animals, and transports them to the spay/neuter clinic. At a designated time, the animals are then picked up at the clinic and transported back to the pick-up location and returned to their family. 

“Everyone is so appreciative of the neuter scooter program and the extra effort by the Ontario SPCA to ensure that people and pets receive these vital services,” Bonnie says. 

To learn more about the Ontario SPCA’s spay/neuter services, visit ontariospca.ca/spayneuter 

To help support these initiatives, please consider donating today.