MRHS Spay & Neuter Clinic

MRHS Spay & Neuter Clinic, a crucial component of the McMinn Regional Humane Society (MRHS), is a specialized "Pet Hospital" located at 3 Davidson Rd, Athens, TN 37303, USA. It operates with a primary mission to address pet overpopulation through accessible and affordable spay and neuter services, while also providing essential preventative care to the community. While not a full-service veterinary office, the clinic plays a vital role in animal welfare, impacting thousands of lives annually, both for owned pets and those residing in the animal shelter.

The environment at MRHS Spay & Neuter Clinic is focused on efficiency and care for animals undergoing surgical procedures and vaccinations. As a clinic specifically dedicated to spay/neuter and basic preventive care, its layout and operations are streamlined to facilitate these services. The philosophy driving MRHS Spay & Neuter Clinic is deeply rooted in humane animal practices. They believe that by providing low-cost sterilization and vaccinations, they can significantly reduce the number of unwanted pets and subsequent euthanasia, thus improving the overall health and welfare of animals in McMinn County and surrounding areas. This mission-driven approach means the clinic prioritizes accessibility and affordability, making essential veterinary care attainable for more pet owners. The team works diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of every animal under their care, even within the focused scope of their services.

MRHS Spay & Neuter Clinic specializes in providing high-volume, high-quality, low-cost spay and neuter surgeries. In addition to these critical procedures, they also offer fundamental preventive health services. The clinic's services are designed to be affordable, contributing significantly to community animal health and welfare:

• Spay and Neuter Surgeries: This is the core service offered by the clinic. For canines, spay/neuter procedures cost $100 and include initial vaccines. For felines, the cost is $80, also inclusive of initial vaccines. Additional surgery fees may apply for dogs over 100 lbs. These procedures are critical for preventing unwanted litters and often come with additional health benefits for the pets, such as reducing the risk of certain cancers and infections, and mitigating behavioral issues like aggression and roaming.

• Vaccinations: Essential vaccinations are provided at low cost to help protect pets from common diseases. These include:

  • Rabies vaccine ($15, often required on the day of surgery).

  • DA2PP (Distemper/Adenovirus/Parvovirus/Parainfluenza) for dogs ($15).

  • FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis/Calicivirus/Panleukopenia) for cats ($15).

  • FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) vaccine for cats ($15).

  • Bordetella for dogs (often included in comprehensive vaccine protocols, price may vary or be bundled).

• Heartworm Testing: For dogs, heartworm tests are available for $15, which is crucial for early detection and treatment of this serious parasitic disease.

• FeLV/FIV Testing: For cats, testing for Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is offered at $20, important for managing feline health and preventing disease spread.

• Microchipping: Offered at $15, microchipping provides a permanent form of identification, significantly increasing the chances of reuniting lost pets with their owners.

• Post-Surgery Care: Pets undergoing spay/neuter typically receive a de-wormer, a Capstar tablet for flea control, and a pain injection, ensuring a smoother recovery.

• Limited General Medical Care: While not a full-service vet, the clinic's veterinarian, Dr. Ronnie DeForrest, DVM, serves animals brought into the animal shelter, amounting to over 2,000 animals a year. This includes providing some vaccinations (like Bordetella for shelter dogs), flea medications, and treatment for sick animals within the shelter. However, for complex medical issues or non-routine care, pets may be referred to a different, full-service veterinary office.

MRHS Spay & Neuter Clinic stands out due to several key features that reinforce its mission and value to the community:

• Affordable and Accessible Services: The clinic's primary strength is its commitment to low-cost services, making spay/neuter and essential vaccinations available to a broader segment of the population. This helps to overcome financial barriers that might prevent pet owners from sterilizing their animals.

• Dedicated Focus on Population Control: By concentrating on spay/neuter, the clinic directly addresses the critical issue of pet overpopulation, which leads to countless homeless animals. This focused approach is highly effective in community animal welfare efforts.

• Support for Shelter Animals: The clinic plays an indispensable role in the McMinn Regional Humane Society's efforts by providing veterinary care for all animals entering the shelter. This includes sterilization, vaccinations, and initial medical attention, preparing them for adoption and improving their chances of finding forever homes.

• Experienced Veterinary Leadership: The clinic is led by Dr. Ronnie DeForrest, DVM, who brings expertise to the specialized procedures and care offered at the facility.

• Community-Oriented Mission: As part of the McMinn Regional Humane Society, the clinic's operations are deeply integrated with broader animal welfare initiatives, including adoption specials and partnerships with rescue organizations to save animal lives.

• Financial Assistance Programs: The clinic strives to ensure services are accessible, offering financial assistance for spay/neuter services upon request and operating programs like "Spay It Forward," where donors can contribute to help those in need.

MRHS Spay & Neuter Clinic is located at 3 Davidson Rd, Athens, TN 37303, USA. For appointments and inquiries, the clinic can be reached at their dedicated phone number: (423) 649-0370. It's important to note that due to high call volume, leaving a voicemail is often encouraged. The clinic operates Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They are closed on weekends.

While the provided address is 3 Davidson Rd, it's worth noting that recent information indicates the clinic has moved to 320 S. Jackson Street, Suite A, Athens, TN 37303. It's always advisable to verify the current address and operating hours directly with the clinic before visiting, as location changes can occur. For scheduling appointments, it is recommended to call the clinic directly as they manage appointment needs through their phone lines. The clinic emphasizes that if vaccinations or general care are needed for a pet, spay/neuter must also be included if the pet is not already sterilized, reflecting their core mission.

The McMinn Regional Humane Society, which operates the clinic, actively seeks community support through donations and volunteer efforts to sustain and expand its services. Information on how to contribute to programs like "Spay It Forward" or volunteer can be found through the McMinn Regional Humane Society's website. The clinic's vital role in reducing pet overpopulation and providing essential, affordable care makes it an invaluable resource for pet owners in Athens and the surrounding areas.