Vouchers, clinics for free and low cost spay, neuter services available in Cherokee County

According to the experts, dogs can have up to two litters per year with an average of six to 10 puppies per litter.

Cats can have up to three litters per year with an average of four to six kittens per litter.

That’s a lot of lives that could potentially become homeless and neglected.

Spaying and neutering pets helps, of course, but for many local pet owners, the cost of those surgeries is sometimes prohibitive.

Fortunately, there’s help through the non-profit organization, Cherokee County Texas Spay Neuter.

“We know that sometimes all it takes to change the world is a little support,” the organization’s website states. “The core of our efforts is to help the citizens of Cherokee County be an advocate for our four-legged friends who cannot speak for themselves.”

All Cherokee County residents are eligible to fill out an application for a free spay/neuter voucher, as funds allow. Applicants must show photo ID proof of residency -- no exceptions! Download a voucher application at cctsn.org; or text CCTSN at (903) 284-0140 or email cctsn19@gmail.com to request an application be sent via email or traditional mail. Photo IDs can also be texted to that number.

The vouchers are good at Dehart Mobile Veterinary Service.

“Our surgeries are performed by a licensed veterinarian,” Dehart’s website states. “ Patients are fully anesthetized using safe, recommended and contemporary protocols. All patients are monitored with a pulse oximeter and constant visual examination.

“Patients recover in our climate-controlled environment and are always within feet of our sight/reach.

“We follow the guidelines established by the Humane Alliance and the Spay and Neuter Task Force of the American Shelter Veterinary Association.”

Vouchers have an expiration date of 90 days from the day it’s sent.

“Do not let that date expire or you lose your free spay/neuter and you have to start all over again with the application process,” CCTSN’s website warns.

Rabies vaccines are the only ones required for spay/neuter services and the pet owner pays for those if needed. Dehart’s rabies shots are $12-$17 for cats and dogs.

Pet owners are also responsible for getting their animals to the vet – transportation is not available.
Dehart Vet Services offers a variety of veterinarian services, including dental cleanings, vaccination packages, microchipping and smart tags, wellness clinics and pharmacy services.

In Cherokee County, the mobile clinic sets up:

• from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., every Sunday at Farm and Ranch Feed Store, 209 S. Bolton St., in Jacksonville; and

• from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., every first Thursday of the month at the former VFW Hall, 1001 E. Main St., in Rusk.

To help CCTSN and Dehart Vet Services continue to provide these services, donations are needed.

“Dehart Vet Services is dedicated to helping decrease pet overpopulation,” the vet’s website states. “To help achieve this goal we have started a fund to help spay/neuter dogs and cats in local shelters. “A total 100 percent of the proceeds from this fund will go toward having a local shelter animal spayed/neutered. Please consider any size donation toward helping the animals of your community.”

Donate via Dehart’s website, dehartvetservices.com; or mail checks to CCTSN, PO Box 2086, Jacksonville, TX 75766.