MN SNAP: ‘Fixing’ the overpopulation problem one pet at a time

By Meredeth Barzen

These days, with the economy in the doggy potty, many pet owners are conflicted because they want to provide good care for their dogs, but can’t afford basic vet services like spaying and neutering. That’s where MN SNAP comes in.

The Minnesota Spay Neuter Assistance Program (MN SNAP) provides low-cost spaying and neutering to animals from rescues, shelters and low-income families. The organization’s framework was set in place by Dr. Kim Culbertson, a local veterinarian, and is relying mostly on word-of-mouth right now to raise awareness of its services and the growing problem of pet overpopulation.

“Shelters and rescues are trying to do their part [to reduce pet overpopulation] by ensuring that most or all of their animals are sterilized prior to adoption,” says MN SNAP’s Jennifer Allen. “Many pet owners, especially in urban and rural areas, cannot afford spay/neuter surgery, do not have access to a veterinary clinic, or do not understand the consequences of unchecked reproduction by their sexually intact pets. Most rescues operate on a very lean budget and are burdened by the costs associated with spay and neuter, thus limiting the number of animals they can save. Affordable and accessible spay/neuter services are essential to stopping the flow of puppies and kittens being born into a world that won’t or can’t take care of them.”

Dr. Kim Culbertson, MN SNAP's veterinarian

As the only mobile spay/neuter clinic in Minnesota that specifically targets low-income households, MN SNAP has “been showered with an outpouring of support from the community,” Allen says. The young organization has worked with and served groups like Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet, The Pet Project, Homeward Bound, Pet Haven, A Rotta Love Plus, Minnesota Boxer Rescue and Secondhand Hounds.

And the economic climate has made its services especially important. “More animals are being surrendered due to unexpected litters, people not being able to feed the animals  they have and general lack of income for animal care,” Allen says.

“We are always looking for angels to the animals,” Allen says. “We rely completely on community support; your donations of time, money or supplies, coupled with your love for companion animals, will save the lives of thousands of animals in Minnesota.” And, as the great and aptly named Bob Barker did for so many years on “The Price Is Right,” she closes with the classic line, “Please spay or neuter your pets!”