The decision was made to utilize the truck and trailer set up instead of a single unit vehicle based upon a thorough study of models of other successful mobile spay/neuter operations across the country. This configuration will provide the greatest degree of flexibility for The Neuter Commuter operations and will provide better capacity for parking, especially in limited areas.
The Neuter Commuter's History:
The Coalition, through grant applications targeted for the mobile spay/neuter clinic operations, received grants in 2003, 2004, and 2005 from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation ($150,000), PETsMART Charities ($25,000) and the Passaic County Freeholders ($25,000), for a total of $200,000 of start-up funding. These funds were dedicated to the purchase of the mobile clinic trailer, surgical suite equipment and supplies, and a pick-up truck to tow the clinic trailer. This funding enabled the mobile clinic to be fully equipped in the second quarter of 2005, at which time it began operations as a mobile spay/neuter clinic making its services available to the general public and to local animal shelters, rescue groups, and other animal welfare agencies involved in promoting the neutering of domestic pets and feral cats.
The Coalition formally announced the grand opening of its mobile spay/neuter clinic operations on Saturday, April 2, 2005 at the PETCO store on Route 46 West in Totowa, New Jersey.
The Coalition's initial focus was to operate the mobile spay/neuter clinic serving primarily low income residents of Passaic County's three urban cities: Paterson, Passaic, and Clifton. The mobile clinic started operations in 2005, sterilizing both dogs and cats in these three cities and also concentrated primarily on sterilizing cats in Passaic County’s suburbs, where feral cats present more of a problem.
Between October and December 2005, the Coalition's mobile clinic sterilized 180 animals. By the end of December, the daily operating statistics increased to 10 to 15 sterilizations per operating day. The Coalition expects to increase its sterilizations per day to 20 to 25 per operating day as the mobile clinic becomes fully operational.
The mobile clinic offered its services in 2005 at various pet supply stores (including the PETCO in Totowa), animal shelters, and veterinary offices in Passaic County and served residents (and animals) in 37 different towns in New Jersey.
Funding for the mobile clinic's continued operations has recently been received from PETsMart Charities, PETCO Foundation, DJ&T Foundation, and the Build-A-Bear Foundation, as well as from many individual donors. Continued support from the general public as well as charitable foundations is critical to continuing and growing operations of The Neuter Commuter.
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NEUTER COMMUTER:
Below are some frequently asked questions about our mobile clinic and the services we provide. Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us by using the "Contact" link to the left. A volunteer will respond to you as quickly as possible either by email or telephone.
I am a resident of Passaic County and I was wondering if this low cost service is open to anyone?
Yes, the Passaic County Mobile Spay Neuter services are available to anyone who needs them.
Are the Vets who are doing the spaying certified and licensed veterinarians?
Yes, all veterinarians performing the surgeries are certified and licensed in the state of NJ.
Being that you are a mobile unit, will my pet be offered the same quality spaying as in a veterinarian's office?
Yes, we have a fully operational medical suite on board the trailer.
Will I receive a letter showing proof of spaying after the surgery?
Yes, we send every animal home with proof of altering, a shot record (if shots were given), and discharge instructions with emergency numbers in the unlikely event that any post surgical complications occur.
The Mobile Clinic
