The Bristol Humane Society has announced ambitious plans to expand its Margaret B. Mitchell Spay/Neuter Clinic, aiming to dramatically increase its capacity and services for the local pet community. The expansion is expected to support over 35,000 pets each year with essential veterinary care, education, and resources.
Enhancing Veterinary Services for the Community
According to a release from the Bristol Humane Society, the upcoming expansion includes a significantly larger spay/neuter clinic, a wellness center offering services five days a week, an education center, and a pantry stocked with pet food and supplies. The additional resources aim to make a substantial difference in supporting local pet owners and reducing the number of animals entering regional shelters.
The humane society has operated its low-cost spay/neuter clinic since 2005, recently celebrating a remarkable milestone of 200,000 surgeries for cats and dogs in the region. For nearly two decades, the facility has played a pivotal role in preventing unwanted litters and alleviating the demand on nearby shelters. With the expansion, the society is preparing to meet the region’s increasing needs and deepen its commitment to keeping pets healthy and safely housed within families.
A Step Toward Ending Euthanasia of Healthy Pets
The humane society’s long-term mission centers on reducing shelter intake by preventing pet overpopulation, thus decreasing the need for euthanasia of healthy animals. Dr. Jennifer McCall Ketron, Vice President of the Board of Directors and Executive Director of the Bristol Humane Society, emphasized this goal in the announcement.
“Our goal has always been to end the need to euthanize healthy, adoptable dogs and cats by reducing the number that enter the region’s shelters,” said Dr. McCall Ketron. “We’re excited to further this mission by expanding our facility and thus our ability to further serve the community.”
With these expanded services, the organization hopes to have a greater impact by providing more support for pet owners struggling with limited resources, enabling them to keep their pets rather than surrendering them to shelters.
Community Support and Capital Campaign
To bring this ambitious expansion to life, the Bristol Humane Society has launched a $4 million capital campaign. They are actively seeking donations from the community, business partners, and other supporters committed to the cause. The funds raised will be used to build and equip the new facility, allowing for greater capacity and a wider range of services.
The humane society views the expansion as a community-driven project and is encouraging local residents to get involved. Dr. McCall Ketron expressed gratitude toward those who have already supported the campaign and called for continued involvement.
“This new facility will allow us to meet the rising demand for services in our region,” she noted. “It will be a place where pets and their families can receive essential veterinary care and find resources to keep their pets happy and healthy.”
Expanded Services to Benefit Pets and Owners Alike
The new facility will serve as a central resource for pet owners in the area, providing more than just spay and neuter services. The five-day-a-week wellness clinic will offer preventative care, basic treatments, and health consultations to ensure pets are healthy and owners feel supported. The added education center will also focus on responsible pet ownership, training, and health awareness, which is expected to contribute significantly to reducing shelter intake.
Additionally, the pantry will be stocked with pet food and essential supplies to assist families facing financial hardship, helping them keep their pets rather than being forced to surrender them. By addressing these core needs, the Bristol Humane Society hopes to foster stronger bonds between pets and their families and reduce instances of abandonment.
