Frequently Asked Questions

What is spay/neuter?
The word “spay” refers to the sterilization of female pets.  The word “neuter,” while more commonly used to refer to the sterilization of male pets, can be used to describe the sterilization of either female or male pets.

Which clinic performs spay and neuter surgeries for AASC?
Our spays and neuters are done by Wally’s Friends high volume low cost spay/neuter clinic in Red Bank, TN.  They are a non-profit clinic that has two full time veterinarians who have spayed and neutered over 30,000 dogs and cats since they opened in June 2006.

What is our service area?
We accept pets from all of Grundy County, and the areas of Marion and Franklin Counties that are on the mountain.  We cannot accept pets outside of these areas because of the limited van space and our limited funding.  You may also call Wally’s Friends in Red Bank, TN (423-877-9966) to make a reservation yourself or to see if there is a program in your area.  Other low cost spay/neuter clinics are the Beasley Foundation in Murfreesboro, and the Putnam County Humane Society in Cookeville.   

How do I get my pet spayed or neutered by your program?
Just call 931-235-9006.  Your pet must have a reservation, so you will be asked to answer a few questions about him/her.  Since we are all volunteers, we do not have regular office hours.  If no one answers when you call, please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Do you spay and neuter cats too?
Yes, we spay and neuter cats and dogs, puppies and kittens.

Will you pick up the pet?
No.  You will be asked to bring your pet to the old high school in Tracy City, TN, between 6:30 and 7:15 AM on the transport day.  Our transport site is located behind the Alma Mater Theater.  (Our location). 

When can I pick up my pet?
Your pet will be kept at Wally’s Friends overnight and returned the next morning at 8:00am for you to pick up.

What should I do if I don’t have a pet carrier?
Let us know if you don't have a pet carrier, and we will have one available for you to use the day of the transport.  If you have a carrier or can borrow one, please make sure it fits your pet.  The pet crate should just be large enough for your pet to stand and turn around.  Please line the bottom with newspapers only.  Do not put toys or food in your pet’s carrier.

How do I prepare my pet for transport?
You should make sure that your pet has nothing to eat after midnight the night before he/she is scheduled for surgery.  Make sure that puppies and kittens get something to eat as late as possible the night before.  They may all have water the night and early morning before transport.

When do I pay?
You should pay for your pet when you bring him/her in for transport.

What if I can’t afford to have my pets spayed and neutered?
The spay/neuter charges are already “greatly” reduced. If you can’t afford the already reduced fees, please ask for details.  We have financial help for low-income families.

Can pregnant and in heat dogs be spayed?
Yes.  Both pregnant and in heat dogs can be spayed. 

How old does a puppy or kitten have to be to be spayed or neutered?
Puppies and kittens can now be spayed as early as 8 weeks old if they weigh at least 2 pounds and are healthy.  Puppies and kittens recover quickly from surgery.  However, the male puppies and kittens’ testicles must be descended. 

Why does a pet over 8 years of age need pre-surgery blood work before surgery?
This blood work provides a way to assess kidney and liver function prior to your pet’s undergoing anesthesia.  The liver and kidneys are the primary routes that the anesthetics are broken down and removed from the body.  If they aren’t working well, then anesthesia may be more of a risk.

Is spaying major surgery?
Yes, because it involves surgically entering the abdomen.  This should not frighten you however, since this surgery is routinely performed, and very safe.  There are risks with any anesthesia or surgical procedure.

How long does it take for an animal to recover from the procedure?
It will take your pet 7-10 days to recover from the surgery.  They should be kept dry and warm during that time.  You will be given a copy of “How to Care for Your Pet” when you bring him/her in for transport.  We ask that you read these instructions and follow them to make sure your pet heals quickly and appropriately.

How is the program funded?
AASC is an all volunteer program funded by fundraisers and public donations.  We also rely entirely on volunteers to administer the program. If you love animals, check out our page How Can I Help ?

How can I contribute to this program?
Send a check to AASC, P.O. Box 627, Tracy City, TN 37387 or call 931-235-9006. (How to make a donation)

Can I donate non-cash items like furniture, equipment, household goods, etc?
Yes.  We accept items for yard sale and bazaars all during the year.  Please call and we will make arrangements to meet you at our site or arrange to have these items picked up.  We do 2 yard sales a year; one in the spring and one in the fall.

Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, we are a 501c3 non-profit.  When you make donations, you will receive a note thanking you for your donation that you may use as a receipt.

Will my pet become fat?
Just like people, pets become overweight when they eat too much and/or exercise too little.

Isn’t it healthier for my pet to have one litter?
Medical evidence indicates just the opposite.  In fact, evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier.  Research shows that by spaying before the first heat, you will reduce the chance of mammary (breast) cancer in your pet by as much as 97% over their lifetime.  The chance of other reproductive cancers (uterine, ovarian, mammary, and uterine infection is eliminated in spayed animals. Even after the first heat, spaying will reduce the risk of certain cancers and eliminate reproductive organ disease. (Source:  Best Friends)

What if my kids want to have the experience of raising puppies or kittens?
Contact a shelter or rescue group and ask to foster the puppies or kittens that have been abandoned.  Your children will learn a more valuable lesson of responsibility and the importance of stopping the overpopulation of cats and dogs.

Are there benefits to spaying or neutering my pets?
Spay/neuter improves your pet’s health by reducing or eliminating the risk of certain cancers and other diseases.  Because spay/neuter often reduces the tendency to fight with other animals, it also protects your pet from fight-related injuries and dangerous viruses spread through bites wounds.  Spayed/neutered animals wander less and stay closed to home.  As a result, they are less likely to be lost or hit by cars.

Spay/neuter reduces or eliminates spraying (marking objects with a spray or urine), yowling/howling, escaping, and other troublesome behaviors.  You won’t have to deal with the mess or the inconvenience of a pet in heat.  You’ll be saved the considerable amount of time, money, and hassle (not to mention property damage) involved in raising litters of puppies and kittens.

Spay/neuter has a direct impact on the incidence of dog bites in a community.  Intact male dogs cause the majority of dog bites (60-80%).  Pregnant or nursing female dogs are more likely to bite as well.  Spay/neutered pets are less likely to engage in behaviors that can cause problems with neighbors.

Spay/neuter directly impacts the number of animals that lose their lives in our shelters and on our streets.  Having your pet spayed or neutered frees up homes for homeless pets that are already born.

Will my pet’s behavior change after surgery?
Spay/neuter can result in some behavior changes – for the better!  Spayed or neutered pets are often less aggressive, more relaxed, and even more affectionate. 

What do I do if I see a pet being abused, starving, or abandoned?
Animal abuse should be reported to the sheriff in your county.  As for starving animals, please do the humane thing and help them.  If they are abandoned take them home with you, foster them, and begin looking for a forever home for them.  Call your local TV station, put information about them at the post office and vet offices. If you can’t take the animal home, take it food and make contacts to help find it a foster or forever home.

AASC is not a humane society, and we have no public or government money to help pay vet bills or buy food.  Remember, we have an all- volunteer staff that works very hard to make spaying and neutering affordable and available to all residents in our target area.

When we see an abandoned or hurting animal, we as individuals, help them.  We ask that you do the same.