Last week, 16 veterinarians and veterinarian techs from Visiting Vets International visited St. Croix from the mainland for the second year in a row to spay/neuter 310 dogs and cats, vaccinate them, and provide other medical assistance as needed. The clinic held at the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center facility was free for pets, rescues and strays.
All the dogs and cats were shaved, bathed, vaccinated and given anesthesia before being sent for surgery. Over four days, five vets neutered 310 dogs and 180 cats at the Estate Castle Coakley facility, according to SCAWCโs Nancy Wallace.
Vet techs placed numbers in several places on the animals to identify them, even if they were shaved and went through surgery. All instructions are written for each animal and the paperwork followed them through the process. They are also monitored electronically while they are under anesthesia.
All cats waiting for surgery were in covered carriers to keep them calm. Despite the commotion going on around them, they were silent most of the time.
Visiting Vets International paid their own traveling expenses and the Animal Welfare Center provided housing and meals.
