SNAP-NC: Spay Neuter Assistance Program of North Carolina

PET OVERPOPULATION:
Pet overpopulation is a serious problem and one affecting all of us as pet families and ordinary citizens. Caring for pets without families puts a severe drain on the financial and other resources of our communities, and unwanted litters are a problem for families across the area. Of the fifty-thousand puppies and kittens born every day in the United States, only one in nine ever find a loving home with a caring family. Adoptions are only a small part of the solution. The real answer lies at the source of the problem.

BENEFITS:
Our pets are a real part of our families, and deserve the best care possible to extend and enhance their lives just as we would do for any other family member. The process of sterilization not only works to solve the overpopulation problem, but also provides our pets with a greater quality of life and makes them better companions for us.

Spayed or neutered pets:
• Tend to live an average of two to three years longer
• Are protected from some types of cancer
• Have a reduced chance of running away or fighting
• Are three times less likely to bite our children or us.

WHO WE ARE:
SNAP-NC is a nonprofit organization providing discounted spay-neuter services to North Carolina residents. Our Mission is to address Pet Overpopulation in our State by offering high quality, low cost spay-neuter surgeries for pets belonging to North Carolina families in need.

Families need not meet income qualifications in order to use the services of SNAP-NC. We do not turn anyone away.

For the SNAP-NC subsidy program called PALS, Prevent Another Litter Subsidy Program, income qualification is required. Please see our page on PALS for more information.

SNAP-NC operates a fleet of mobile veterinary surgery clinics, staffed by fully licensed and accredited veterinarians and their team, use the most modern techniques, anesthesia, and equipment to ensure the safety of your pets and provide them with the level of care they deserve.

The SNAP-NC program was one of the first of its kind in the United States. The program has handled over 62,270 pets since its inception. This has made a direct and immediate impact, by reducing the number of unwanted animals in the area shelters. Besides improving the quality of life for our best friends, this saves money for the community as a whole.

The lifesaving and life-enhancing work of SNAP-NC is funded through the fees charged for our services as well as grants and donations from various sources.

CLINIC ON WHEELS:
SNAP-NC Services are delivered through a fleet of mobile veterinary surgery clinics able to bring the benefits of top-notch care to all parts of the twelve counties we serve. These clinics on wheels go directly into the communities we serve to perform safe and professional sterilization of the dogs and cats you have made part of your family. We can also provide vaccinations and other necessary services to animal sterilized through our program.

SNAP-NC Mobile Unit

Each SNAP-NC mobile clinic has its own on-board electric generator and clean water supply to ensure uninterrrupted care for your pets regardless of outside conditions. The clinics are fully self-sufficient and able to travel to even the most remote parts of the areas we serve.

HOW SNAP-NC WORKS:
Pet families can call our office to set up an appointment. We provide detailed instructions on preparing the pet for the surgery and answer any questions about the process. The morning of the appointment, the pet is brought (on a leash or in a carrier) to the mobile clinic, and will be picked up from the clinic that same afternoon. Our team provides the pet family with written instructions for after-surgery care and emergency contact telephone number for any questions during the recovery period.

OUR TEAM:

Dr. Laureen Bartfield - President, Program Director & Staff Surgeon
Dr. B. and her husband live on a farm in Chatham County, with their horses, dogs, cats and many fowl. And she is very active in a number of animal welfare organizations both from the investigation standpoint and pursuing changes in legislation to benefit animals.

Dr. Beverly Shelbourn - Staff Surgeon
Hailing from Nebraska, she attended vet school in Kansas. Dr. S. has been with SNAP for 8 years. She and her husband have two beautiful boys, Cody and Tyler. They share their home with three cats and two dogs, Bo and Ox.

Dr. Colleen Dutson - Staff Surgeon
Dr. D. grew up in Virginia and went to vet school at Virginia Tech. She moved to California right after graduating in 2004 and then moved to NC late 2006. Currently presiding at her house are 2 rescue dogs (Caleb and Jerry) and 2 rescue cats (Presley and Cafu). She has 2 little boys (who are trouble!...but she loves that about them). While not at work, Dr. Dutson enjoys gardening and listening to jazz and bluegrass.

Carrie - Veterinary Assistant
Carrie is from a small farm in NJ, and has been with SNAP for over 7 years. She has a deaf yellow lab, Noodle, and three cats one of which has three legs. All of her animals are rescues. She fosters animals in need, the last of which was Parker (a beautiful fawn Dobe) who is now in a fantastic forever home. Carrie has a BS in animal science from Clemson.

Robin - Veterinary Assistant
Robin moved to NC from Arkansas in 2008. She started working for SNAP in March 2009. Robin has worked as a veterinary assistant for 16 years. When not at work Robin likes to bird watch, hike and kayak. A bloodhound, a boxer and 2 cats keep Robin entertained and happy.

Kiara - Veterinary Assistant
Kiara was born and raised in South Florida, but also lived in New York for many years. She has been working in the Veterinary field for over 10 years. At home Kiara has two dogs: Worm the Meagle with three legs and Crooks the boston terrier who loves playing with rocks. In her spare time Kiara enjoys traveling, camping, collecting vintage clothes and records, listening to music, watching horror movies and spending time with family and friends.

Kelly - Office Manager
Kelly has been with SNAP for 5 years. Prior to joining the SNAP team Kelly worked as an Office Manager at an investment firm in Philadelphia, PA. Kelly shares her home with 2 rescue dogs (Chevy and Brownie) and 6 rescue cats (Boston, Mama, Ty, Popi, Bear and Boo-Bailey). Outside of work, Kelly enjoys family time, tennis, travel and scootin' around town on her Vespa.