LIHU‘E — After sterilizing over 2,000 cats in a matter of 15 months, the team of the Animal Balance Spay Pod is pivoting to a new group.
The Spay Pod, a half-pint shipping container turned fully operational veterinary unit, offered low-cost spay/neuter surgeries to cats, an alternative to utilizing local veterinarians or Kaua‘i Humane Society.
Veterinarian Dr. Katie Spaulding said the Spay Pod was initially funded and associated with the nonprofit Animal Balance. Part of this group’s mission is to give local communities the tools to provide low-cost spay/neuter of animals. With that mission served out, the core staff of the Spay Pod started AnimalohA to take over.
The unit was most recently at Kealia Farms. When management said they needed to move, the team found that the converted pod would not withstand a relocation.
“The Spay Pod was not in the best shape when it came into being as this entity, and has since been deemed unfit to continue operation and could not physically withstand another move,” a press release said. Spaulding elaborated, noting that the floors were deteriorating, and it has since been moved to the recycling center.
AnimalohA is looking to start a new mobile program, The Spay Ship, that will move around the island. To start, Spaulding said they hope to operate at least one day a week, like the Spay Pod had.
Spaulding said the team has its eyes on a fully outfitted vehicle that is available and is asking for about $100,000 in donations to hopefully get up and running this summer.
When the Spay Pod first started, surgeries were offered for $50 each, which included a microchip and additional vaccines for $10. With the help of volunteers, an advisory board and staff, cats were spayed or neutered, microchipped, ear-tipped, vaccinated, and given internal and external parasite treatment.
The Spay Pod team had the ability to sterilize about 40 cats per day. AnimalohA, which is awaiting its nonprofit 501(c)3 status, is hoping to add dog surgeries and other low-cost services.
A mobile unit is ideal, Spaulding said, because it offers more accessibility. “Kealia was a hindrance for some people,” she said. The goal is to start with one location and eventually expand to four locations on the island.
“It’s a new name, but it’s the same people,” Spaulding said. “Hopefully they’ll stick with us.”
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Sabrina Bodon, public safety and government reporter, can be reached at 245-0441 or sbodon@thegardenisland.com.
