FixNation and Valley Vet Non Profit (VVNP) are teaming up this summer to bring you even more days when you can get your feral cats fixed for free.

Starting in August, VVNP will be open on the 2nd Monday of every month for a day dedicated to fixing feral cats. This is an extra day above and beyond when VVNP is normally open, as a way to expand how many feral cats are being fixed within our community each month. VVNP will fix up to 50 feral cats on these special Mondays, and the program will be sponsored by FixNation.

This program kicks off on Monday, August 9th. The spay/neuter services will be done at VVNP’s clinic at 1659 East Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley.

The same great “free feral program” that you’ve come to know from FixNation still applies for these Mondays, including:

- Spay/neuter surgery
- Physical exam
- FVRCP distemper combo vaccine
- Rabies vaccine
- Revolution (for fleas, earmites, mange, hookworms and roundworms)
- Eartip
- Antibiotic
- Fluids
- Pain medication
- Droncit as needed (for tapeworms)
- Lots of TLC!

VVNP will also offer FeLV/FIV testing and microchipping for an additional fee. FeLV/FIV combo tests are $20, FeLV only tests are $10, microchips are $25 and hernia repairs are $15. Convenia injections, if recommended by the vet, are $25.

Only feral cats will be booked on these special Mondays, and all cats will be eartipped. Any tame companion cats or friendly strays should be scheduled at either FixNation or VVNP during normal business hours.

Feral cats must come in to VVNP in humane traps and be fully covered (no carriers or other containers please). Drop off time is between 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. and pick up is between 2:00 – 2:30 pm. Appointments must be made in advance, and trappers can book appointments by calling VVNP directly at 805-584-3823.

Both FixNation and Valley Vet Non Profit are very excited to be bringing you this new outreach program. We hope it helps both the trappers and the cats out in the West Valley.

FixNation will continue to look for new and creative ways to bring more spay/neuter services to other parts Los Angeles. We firmly believe that public access to free spay/neuter services is a critical component in homeless cat management. Collectively, we can make a difference.

The new plates feature original artwork created and donated by actor/artist Pierce Brosnan. Plates are $50 for a sequential plate or $98 for a personalized plate.

The total number of dogs and cats euthanized in public shelters rose from 378,445 in 2004 to 432,512 in 2008, according to the latest figures available from the California Department of Public Health. When the state’s private shelters are included, it is estimated that one million pets enter California’s shelters each year, with more than half of them euthanized, the California Spay and Neuter License Plate Fund and the California Veterinary Medical Board noted.

They plates are now available for pre-order. They will be produced and issued once an initial 7,500 pre-paid applications have been collected. Go to www.CASpayPlate.com to order yours today!

Here is an FAQ on what this means on a practical level:

1. Is TNR now illegal?

Answer: No. TNR is legal for private citizens and rescue organizations to carry out. The only difference is that the city is currently prohibited from supporting our TNR efforts.

2. Can I still get city vouchers to offset the cost of spaying or neutering feral cats?

Answer: Currently, a private resident can get up to three vouchers for spaying or neutering cats that live on their own property. These vouchers must be obtained directly from a city shelter.

3. If I have a question or problem related to feral cats in Los Angeles or if I need to borrow a feral cat trap, whom should I contact?

Answer: Contact FixNation, Stray Cat Alliance, Kitten Rescue, Actors & Others for Animals, Best Friends Catnippers, or one of the many local cat rescue organizations that you may already be familiar with.

4.  How did this lawsuit happen?

Answer: A group of conservancy organizations that are concerned about declining song-bird populations and  the potential impact of feral cats on the environment sued the city for non-compliance with CEQA, and the court found in their favor.

5.  What is being done to correct the situation?

Answer: A coalition of animal organizations has formed to work with the city of Los Angeles to re-establish TNR as an important strategy in any effective and humane program aimed at managing and controlling feral cat populations while complying with CEQA. The coalition includes:  Actors & Others for Animals, Best Friends Animal Society, Feral Cat Caretakers’ Coalition, FixNation, Found Animals Foundation, Kitten Rescue, and Stray Cat Alliance.

6.  Will Judge McKnew’s ruling be appealed by the City of LA?

Answer: No. The City Attorney has concluded that because the law precludes any new evidence or arguments being introduced on appeal, that re-trying the same case on the existing court record would likely have the same result with the added consequence of establishing the ruling state-wide, while now it only affects the city of Los Angeles. The coalition has hired an attorney who specializes in CEQA, and they agree with the City Attorney’s decision not to appeal.  Rather, the coalition will work with the city to develop a TNR policy while observing CEQA requirements.

7.  What can I do to help?

Answer: Please forward this FAQ to concerned family and friends, and if you can, please donate to your favorite feral cat program and sign the coalition’s declaration of support for TNR in Los Angeles. (Click here to view and sign the Coalition Declaration)

All proceeds from these clinics go to benefit FixNation, helping to offset the costs of free spay/neuter for homeless stray and feral cats. It’s a great way for us to bring low-cost, accessible services to you and your animals, while simultaneously raising money to help our non-profit.

Our vaccine clinics are held the first Saturday of every month (with July and September being the 3rd Saturday, due to holidays). Hours are from 9 am – 12 noon.

Walk-in’s welcome, no appointment necessary. Cash only!

Dogs need to be on leashes at all times. Cats need to come in sturdy carriers. Feral cats can be brought in for vaccines only (no microchips or testing) and must come in humane traps fully covered.

The services we are offering are:

CATS:

• Distemper combo vaccine (FVRCP or 4-in-1) = $8
• Rabies vaccine = $12
• AVID Microchip = $25
• FeLV/FIV Snap tests = $30
• Leukemia vaccine = $20

DOGS:

• Distemper combo vaccine (DH2PPV) = $8
• Rabies vaccine = $12
• AVID Microchip = $25
• Bordatella vaccine = $12
• Heartworm test = $20

2010 Vaccine Clinic Calendar:

The vaccine/microchip clinic schedule for the remainder of 2010 is as follows:

• July 17 ** (3rd Saturday instead)
• August 7
• September 18 ** (3rd Saturday instead)
• October 2
• November 6
• December 4

We hope to see you and your pets at our clinic! Please feel free to spread the word too… Here’s our flyer to download and circulate.

Click to download flyer

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