To Start A Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic

Most of these essential items can be obtained at a reduced cost or free from hospitals or veterinarians buying new equipment. We suggest putting a person or group in charge of finding the needed materials. Another person or group can look for a place for the clinic, or check into the feasibility of a van.

Bringing these various elements together will vary, for each clinic has its own unique set of circumstances, location, clientele, and founding group. Contact SPAY/USA for more information and details on other clinics already set up..

  • Surgery table and light
  • Cages/ carriers (for cats) and squeeze cage for anesthetizing feral cats
  • Water supply
  • Miscellaneous drugs including anesthesia*, analgesics, antibiotics, and vaccines
  • Refrigerator
  • Cleaning equipment
  • Clippers
  • Autoclave
  • Scale
  • Spay packs and pack storage area
  • Instrument trays and stand
  • Suture material
  • Drapes, gowns and gloves
  • Locking cabinet for drug storage
  • Animal emergency kit
  • *and/or gas anesthesia machine
You need a convenient location, a well-trained vet, and the following equipment: First, determine the need for a clinic, finding out through surveys how many cats/dogs you will plan to spay/neuter per day, how many days per week. Thirty to fifty surgeries per day is average for a clinic that does exclusively spay/neuter. From this information, you can begin to prepare a budget.
For information on what's included in a spay pack, click here.
13 hints for Increasing Speed of a Surgery Clinic
Establishing and Maintaining a Low-cost Spay and Neuter Clinic