Fix-A-Feline: Jefferson Parish’s Spay/Neuter Initiative to Reduce Shelter Overpopulation

Jefferson Parish residents have a vital resource in the Fix-A-Feline program, a spay and neuter initiative generously funded by the annual rabies licenses. The program’s overarching objective is to significantly decrease the number of cats and kittens entering the two Jefferson Parish Animal Shelters. With cats comprising half of the intake at these shelters, the need for such a program is evident. Since its inception, Fix-A-Feline has facilitated over 100,000 spay and neuter surgeries for pets within Jefferson Parish. By choosing to spay or neuter your pet, you are opting for a healthier future for your animal companion and contributing to a more manageable pet population in the community. For those interested in humane approaches to managing community cat populations, learning about Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is highly recommended. Learn about Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and how it is the humane approach to addressing community cat populations.

Eligibility and Participation

To be eligible for the Fix-A-Feline program, you must be a resident of Jefferson Parish, which requires a valid form of identification. Alternatively, if you are a caretaker or trapper of cats and kittens within Jefferson Parish, you can also participate. To take advantage of this program, contact any of the participating veterinary clinics listed below and schedule an appointment, making sure to mention the Fix-A-Feline Program.

Program Benefits and Costs

The Fix-A-Feline program offers specific benefits depending on the animal’s status. For feral or stray cats brought in a trap, the visit is free and includes a rabies vaccination, with eartipping performed as standard practice for identification. For owned pet kittens and cats, the cost is a subsidized $15. Participating clinics will provide a voucher to certify your residency in Jefferson Parish or your role as a caretaker/trapper of the animal. It is crucial to call the chosen clinic directly to make an appointment and to mention Jefferson SPCA’s Fix-A-Feline Program.

Kitten Eligibility for Surgery

Kittens are typically eligible for spaying or neutering once they reach a weight of approximately 2 pounds. However, this can vary slightly depending on the veterinarian’s specific preference and surgical protocols. Indoor kittens generally reach this weight between 8 to 12 weeks of age, while outdoor or community kittens may take a bit longer, reaching 2 pounds between 12 to 16 weeks. When scheduling your appointment, be sure to inquire about the specific weight requirement for the kitten’s surgery. Understanding the yearly cat costs can help in budgeting for your pet’s healthcare needs, including preventative surgeries like spaying and neutering.

Participating Veterinary Clinics

Abadie Veterinary Hospital
Services: Feral Cats in Traps Only
Address: 8271 Jefferson Hwy., Harahan, LA 70123
Phone: 504-737-8910

Acadiana West Animal Clinic
Services: Feral Cats in Traps Only
Address: 2600 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, LA 70072
Phone: 504-341-9510

Animal Medical Clinic
Address: 831 Bordeaux St., New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone: 504-899-1850

Furry Friends Animal Hospital
Address: 2330 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
Phone: 504-366-6060

Gretna Veterinary Hospital
Services: Translation Assistance Available
Address: 714 Kepler St., Gretna, LA 70053
Phone: 504-304-5757

LA/SPCA Community Clinic
Address: 1700 Mardi Gras Blvd., Algiers, LA 70114
Phone: 504-363-1333

Low Cost Animal Medical Center
Services: Spanish-Speaking Staff Available / Se habla español
Address: 4300 Washington Ave., New Orleans, LA 70125
Phone: 504-444-1124

Manhattan Animal Clinic
Services: Male Cats Only
Address: 3040 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058
Phone: 504-362-1400

Paris Road Animal Hospital
Address: 2510 Paris Rd., Chalmette, LA 70043
Phone: 504-277-1277

Quality Pet Care
Address: 1600 Belle Chasse Hwy., Gretna, LA 70056
Phone: 504-361-7387

South Lafourche Veterinary Clinic
Address: 17086 W. Main St., Cut Off, LA 70345
Phone: 985-632-4500

Southern Animal Foundation
Services: Feral Cats in Traps Only
Address: 1823 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: 504-671-8235

Southshore Animal Hospital – Bucktown
Services: Spanish-Speaking Staff Available / Se habla español
Address: 213 Live Oak St., Metairie, LA 70005
Phone: 504-831-7724

Southshore Animal Hospital – Frenchmen’s Creek
Address: 2221 Transcontinental Dr. Suite B, Metairie, LA 70001
Phone: 504-887-1770

Vetco Total Care Animal Hospital
Services: Spanish-Speaking Staff Available / Se habla español
Address: 3520 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, LA 70002
Phone: 504-334-8107

Westside Veterinary Hospital
Services: Existing Clients Only
Address: 91 Westbank Expressway Ste 540, Gretna, LA 70053
Phone: 504-324-8629

Wisdom Animal Hospital
Services: Translation Assistance Available
Address: 4421 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, LA 70121
Phone: 504-571-5128 (Text-Friendly number)
Email: office@wisdomanimalhospital.com

Additional Information and Participation

As more veterinary clinics join the Fix-A-Feline program, they will be added to the list. Veterinary clinics interested in participating in spay/neuter programs can contact Jefferson SPCA at (504) 733-5878 or email Rachel@jeffersonspca.org. For further inquiries about the Fix-A-Feline program, you can reach out to Rachel at Rachel@JeffersonSPCA.org. Considering the cost to raise a cat can also be a significant factor for pet owners.

The Fix-A-Feline program is a testament to Jefferson Parish’s commitment to animal welfare. By providing accessible and affordable spay/neuter services, the program not only improves the health of individual pets but also plays a crucial role in managing the overall cat population, ultimately leading to fewer animals in shelters and promoting responsible pet ownership. Spaying and neutering are essential components of pet healthcare, contributing to a longer and healthier life for your feline companions.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *