Low-cost spay and neuter clinic, Preventive care for pets

History of APL

The Animal Protection League (the League) was formed in 1984 in the state of Texas as an animal rescue and adoption agency. In May 1996, the League was reorganized with an additional goal of operating a low cost spay/neuter and vaccination program located in Sulphur Springs, Texas. With the successful implementation of the spay/neuter and vaccination program, the League began to expand services to other communities with the operation of a transfer program from surrounding counties. A Meadows Foundation grant in 2000 provided the League with funds to purchase a cargo van (The Critter Getter) to facilitate the transfer program.

As a result of the transfer initiative, a satellite program was opened in Longview, Texas in September 2003. Since the reorganization of the League the two programs have sterilized more than 200,000 companion animals from a 25 county, three state regions. The programs are open to the public six days a week and spay/neuters 110-145 animals per day of operation. A major goal of the League’s low cost pet sterilization programs is to end the excessive “littering” and the needless euthanasia of animals in rural East Texas.

Even though the League was operating three stationery clinics, the need for low-cost spay/neuter services was still greater than ever. In January 2012, we purchased a 20 foot surgical trailer. This allowed our staff to travel to surrounding communities. The mobile unit program was so successful that we have now have a total of four surgical trailers that travel to 27 East Texas communities.

The League does not receive any public funds. It instead operates on small, individual donations, fundraising efforts within its communities, and from fees generated by sterilization services.

The League’s low cost pet sterilization programs offer a number of services to the public, some of which include:

A pet sterilization voucher system with area animal shelters and independent animal organizations. Through this municipal coupon system, the League sterilizes animals from more than ten area shelters to help new owners comply with Texas law. Additional, the League redeems pet sterilization vouchers sold by area animal welfare organizations.

A low cost vaccination program offered to our communities. Three days per week, the League offers vaccinations at a reduced cost to citizens in our communities. This helps to promote animal health as well as protecting the community from the deadly rabies virus.

The League’s many programs positively influence East Texas through community outreach and volunteerism. The League’s pet sterilization facilities include stainless steel pet holding cages and a sterile surgery area for its contracted veterinarians. The League’s pet sterilization programs are self-sufficient, but do not generate sufficient revenue to grow existing programs. The League relies on the generosity of the community to help advance our goals.