FAQ
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Spaying
and Neutering Myths and Facts
1. What is SNAC and what does it do?
We are the Spay/Neuter Alliance and Clinic, better known as SNAC for
short. We are the first non-profit, high-volume/low-cost spay and
neuter clinic in the region. Our goal is to provide quality procedures
to individuals and organizations which reduces the euthanization and
shelter intake rates.
2. Who does SNAC serve?
SNAC serves both individuals and organizations in 10 counties
throughout South Carolina and Georgia. South Carolina counties include
Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper and Georgia counties are
Bulloch, Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Evans and Liberty.
3. What are your hours of operation?
Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
4. How much does it cost?
We do not require anyone to meet specific financial qualifications but
appreciate a minimum payment for services if client is able. If
financial aid is needed, we can help you locate vouchers and resources.
SNAC provides rabies vaccines at the time of surgery in addition to
optional boosters and tests.
Rates:
Spay/Neuter:
Male Cat:
$50
Female Cat:
$60
Male Dog:
$65
Female Dog: $75
For vaccination rates and additional service fees, visit
our What We Do page
5. How are you able to provide high quality
spays and neuters at such low rates?
SNAC works hard at raising donations and applying for grants to provide
low-cost spay and neuter procedures. These proceeds allow us to pass
savings on to our clients while providing pets with the very best
medical care.
6. What is the process?
Surgeries are performed Monday through Thursday. After check-in,
animals are examined and administered medication to prepare them for
surgery. After the procedure, pets are kept overnight for observation
and released the next day after a checkup exam.
Drop-off times are:
Monday – 7:30am
Tuesday-Thursday – 8am
Pickup times are:
Monday-Thursday – 7:30am
Friday – 8:30am
Due to the large volume of surgeries, drop off and pick up times are
early to allow time to disinfect the kennels. SNAC does require all
animals to be checked in at the appropriate time and appreciates your
cooperation. To find your nearest drop-off location, please contact
SNAC at (843)645.2500.
7. What do I need to do to prepare my pet to be
spayed or neutered?
• SNAC does not accept animals under two pounds in weight or
under two months of age.
• A pet two to four months can receive food and water all
night
but none the morning of surgery. Pets older than four months must
receive no food after 9pm and no water after midnight.
• Cats dropped off directly at SNAC must be in carriers (one
cat
per carrier) and all dogs must be leashed. Animals dropped off at a
local transport location must be in individual crates or carriers.
• Please reference #6 for drop-off and pickup times.
8. What is the recovery period like?
The recovery period is 7-10 days. You need to restrict your
pet’s
activity and keep them indoors. You also need to watch their incision
closely. If your dog/cat is licking his/her incision, you can purchase
Bitter Apple or Bitter Orange (from Walmart, PetCo or PetSmart)
–
rub the ointment around the incision, not directly on it (it stings!).
If that doesn’t work, you can purchase an E-collar
(lampshade).
Our charge is $10 for each of the above. We will give you a complete
list of post-op instructions when you pick your pet up.
9. Why does my pet have to spend the night?
Surgeries are performed throughout the day and into the evening in no
particular order. Animals are kept overnight to monitor their reaction
to the medications as well as their recovery.
10. What do I do after I get my pet back?
Your pet will be returned to you with individualized discharge
instructions. Your pet will still be tender near the surgery site and
may be less active and mildly uncomfortable for a few days. Additional
anti-inflamatory pain medication, similar to Ibuprofen, may be
purchased. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any
questions or concerns.
11. What are the reasons my pet may be declined
for surgery?
Pets may be declined for surgery if they are over or underweight, are
under any type of treatment or are being treated for a chronic disease.
Pets may be declined if they have an illness including, but not limited
to, upper respiratory infection, mange, skin infection, kennel cough,
severe dental disease or heart murmurs.
12. What are the benefits to having a pet
spayed or neutered?
In addition to helping reduce the pet overpopulation, research has
shown that spayed and neutered animals show markedly less aggression,
are known to acquire fewer reproductive diseases and are said to live
longer and be generally healthier than those that are not. Sterilized
pets are often easier to train and have a decreased tendency to roam or
run away.
13. Will SNAC perform procedures on stray or
feral animals?
SNAC will perform procedures on stray animals (animals that are
friendly, able to be handled and are well-socialized.). Feral animals
(ones that are not able to be handled or touched easily and are not
well socialized) must be brought in to the clinic in a trap. Animals
are examined from a safe distance before being given anesthesia. After
the procedure, they are returned to their trap before awakening.
14. Can I get a booster, treatment or other
veterinary service at your clinic?
SNAC does not offer any veterinarian services except at the time of the
spay/neuter procedure and these are limited to rabies vaccinations,
heartworm tests and boosters for dogs and cats. Feline leukemia and FIV
testing for cats is also offered. Please see #6 for rates.
For more information, or to make an
appointment, please call (843) 645.2500
