AFFORDABLE STERILIZATION

Miuccia, as seen through the lens of photographer Alex Berg

The pet world mirrors the human world in at least one way:  society is divided into haves and have nots and the same holds true for the cats, dogs, and other animal creatures that populate our homes and cities. Some lead lives of plenty, thanks to loving owners who pamper their pets as if they were children, while others lead lives of desperation, mistreated by owners and then unceremoniously cast off into the street like unwanted rubbish.

The problem of abandoned animals is among the more vexing issues to conquer mostly because, as with most most serious problems, dealing with it requires both the concerted efforts of the state and the concerned commitment of its citizenry. 

At the heart of the solution is education and controlling the animal population through  sterilization of cats and dogs, on the theory that pets abandoned or lost will not procreate needlessly once they're on the streets. Sterilization is a costly procedure as any pet owner in Puerto Rico is well aware of. Veterinarians charge high fees for the procedure and many citizens, especially if retired or jobless, can ill afford this expense. Thankfully, there is the  Center for the Adoption and Sterilization of Animals run by the city of San Juan.

Based on Kennedy Ave. , the center operates out of a dilapidated and quite dispiriting building but what the center lacks in appearance is more than made up by the dedication

and cordiality of  the people who work there, not easy when they are evidently working in less than ideal conditions. The staff comprises three veterinarians, seven veterinary technicians and additional administrative and janitorial personnel with 25 volunteers also chipping in to take care of adoptable pets, according to the center's director, Mariangeli Gely Cotto.  

Given the affordable cost of sterilizations, demand for the service is high which results in a somewhat onerous, two-pronged process. First, the owner must bring the pet to be vaccinated at which time the sterilization appointment is scheduled, often several weeks or more than a month down the line. Owners whose pets are already vaccinated can come in and make an appointment as long as they present an up-to-date vaccination certificate. On the appointed day, owners drops off pets before 8:30 a.m. and pick them up in the afternoon, between 1 and 3 p.m. The total cost is $70 or less (see chart). Owners are expected to return one more time to have the stitches removed from female pets. Despite the time consuming process, one would be hard pressed to hear complaints given that the service rendered is excellent and much appreciated by pet owners. On a typical day, owners patiently wait around to meet with the vet while exchanging stories about their four-legged charges. The saddest part is seeing people drop off pets they no longer want, or strays picked up from the street. 

Unless identified as good candidates for adoption, any animal turned in at the center is euthanized. Of the 4,328 animals dropped off between last year and now, more than 3,500 have been destroyed, said Gely Cotto.  That same period also saw a small number of adoptions: 380 in all. 

During the current fiscal year which ends at the end of the month, the center has carried out 2,958 sterilizations and administered some 19,647 vaccinations. Said Gely Cotto: "It is lamentable that our society prefers the option of buying rather adopting pets. Each year, we euthanize more than 3,500 animals abandoned by irresponsible owners. All shelters are overpopulated and day by day more animals are abandoned in our streets. Without a doubt,

 this is a problem for all, not just the municipal or state governments."

While the future of stray pets in Puerto Rico is uncertain, a brighter tomorrow is in store for the center. Around mid 2012, it will move into spacious new quarters in a more centric part of town. It cost the city $3 million to purchase the 24,000-square-foot property at Hoare Industrial Park in Miramar which, following a $1.5 million renovation, will open to the public to provide a farrago of services: a pet hospital, emergency veterinary clinic, a pet hotel, day care and resort spa with room for 46 dogs and 27 cats. 

San Juan Center for the Control and Adoption of Animals

787.480.3432, 480-3433, 480.3435

Vaccinations   Monday, Wed. and Friday  1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.  and 1 p.m - 3 p.m.

Sterilizations Dogs (male and female)  San Juan residents pay $40 (up to 30 lbs),

 $50 ( 31-54 lbs) and $60 (55-100 lbs). Non residents: $50, $60 and $70, respectively. In the case of cats, San Juan residents pay $20 to sterilize a female and $15 for a male. Non-residents, $30 and $25. respectively. The procedure is by appointment only. Bring up-to-date vaccination certificate and proof of residency in San Juan when making appointment.

Adoptions   All adopted petsare vaccinated and sterilized prior to delivery to new owner.

Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Turn-ins   Fee is based on the animal's weight or $1 per pound for dogs; $10 for a cat, regardless of weight. For non-residents, $1.25 per pound; $15 for a cat.

Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

by Denise Blasor

All truths wait in all things, They neither hasten their own delivery nor resist it, They do not need the obstetric forceps of the surgeon,                        The insignificant is as big to me as any,  (what is less or more than a touch)...    -- Walt Whitman by Denise Blasor A new pet walking service promises relief for harried owners who are unable to provide their four-legged charges with a much needed daily constitutional. Club PETite (aka Dog Walkers Puerto Rico) currently serves customers in the Trujillo Alto area but will walk pets in other parts of town, such as Condado, according to Warren and Virginia Hill, who started the service. A 30 to 40 minute walk for your pet is $14.  As it builds up its clientele, Club PETite is working on kicking off a novel monthly club event at which dog owners can meet and party in the company of their trusty mascots. The event aims to break the barrier that typically relegates dogs outside most places of business, including eateries: It will be held at  Alquimia Bistro Club on July 8 and the entrance fee is $50, which entitles you to a couple of drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and the attention of a "doggie butler" whose job is to attend to the needs of doggy guests.   Alquimia is located next to Under the Trees on the ground floor of Gallery Plaza, on the corner of De Diego and Loiza Street. To sign up for the event call Club PETite at 787.446.6609. by Denise Blasor ZUMBA BY THE SEA Want to exercise but wish you were in the company of other people for added motivation and inspiration? Then try out zumba, the Latin-inspired, dance exercise program, courtesy of the Health Promotion Program of the Sports and Recreation Department. Every morning from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Ventana Al Mar plaza in Condado. Free of cost. For more information, call Gypssy at 787.550.7204. Copyright2011©Lorraine Blasor All Rights Reserved