Local organizations work to help with costs of pets care

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) The Friends of the Animal Shelter and UPCO Pet Supplies are offering pet owners the opportunity to receive affordable medical care for their pets.

St. Joseph residents can apply for the Friends of the Animal Shelter's new Spay and Neuter Assistance Program. It helps pet owners cover the cost of spaying or neutering in hopes of limiting St. Joseph's stray animal crisis.

"Spaying and neutering is vital to management of the pet population, reducing shelter overcrowding and helps to create safer and healthier communities," Friends of the Animal Shelter wrote in a Facebook post.

Pet owners must live within St. Joseph and have proof of vaccination, which they can receive at a discount over the weekend thanks to UPCO Pet Supplies' Vaccine Clinic.

"The healthier you keep your pets, the longer they're going to live, the longer they'll be your life companion," Eric Evans Green, vice president of UPCO, said. " It's kind of like, you know, keeping yourself healthy with doctor checkups and things like that, things that are required just to help them live a longer, happier, healthier life."

The vaccine clinic will include essential vaccines for dogs and cats, including rabies, distemper and kennel cough for $10 or $20.

"Rabies is the important one. The city of St. Joseph requires it to get your city license here in town," Evans Green said.

The clinic will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, inside UPCO, 3705 Pear St. All dogs must be on a leash, and cats must be in carriers.

For those with unruly pets, call UPCO ahead of arriving to receive tips so all pets can get their vaccines.