Ads by Google Ads by Google

Healthy Pets, Healthy Island program: Register for free spay neuter surgery

a mother cat with her kittens
compiled by Samoa News staff

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Coconut Mutts, in cooperation with ASG Department of Agriculture Veterinary Clinic, is sponsoring a three-month “Healthy Pets, Healthy Island” campaign. 

This campaign will be focused on reducing the number of unwanted animals on Tutuila.  One hundred animals will be sponsored each month, and the cost of their surgery will be covered by the organization.

Coconut Mutts is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to improving animal welfare in American Samoa.  They are based in Seattle, WA, and help the veterinary clinic with supplies and donations.  Kelsey Johnson, founder and director said, “We know that many people on the island look out for the dogs and cats and we’re honored to help this amazing community as much as possible.”

Spaying and neutering is one of the most productive and helpful things that can be done to help control and humanely reduce the dog overpopulation problem, and prevent a cat overpopulation problem here on American Samoa.  Additionally, spaying and neutering your pet provides many other health and behavior benefits such as reduced risks of certain cancers, reduced transmission of transmissible venereal tumors, reduced roaming, and longer lifespan.  Director of Department of Agriculture Filifa’atali Michael Fuiava encourages the community to take advantage of this program in the next three months. 

The Veterinary Clinic offers sterilization services (spay/neuter) Monday through Friday, for the low cost of $10 per surgery.  Through this program, the already low cost will be covered.

October will focus on adult dogs over one year in age.  Any adult dog, male or female, can register for free deworming and sterilization surgery.  100 dogs will be sponsored. 

November will offer free spay and neuter for 100 cats.

December will cover surgery costs for 100 female dogs. 

To register for the program, stop by the clinic in Tafuna on the Department of Agriculture compound or call at 699-9445.