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The Washington County Johnson City Animal Shelter will open a new spay and neuter clinic on the property in 2022 thanks to a generous donation from Judy and Doug Lowrie.

The new 3,790 square-foot clinic will provide high-quality, affordable spay/neuter surgery to the general public, with a special focus on shelter animals. Spaying or neutering cats and dogs reduces animal overpopulation and animal homelessness. It can also reduce some behavior issues and decreases the desire of animals to roam. In addition, altered animals live longer than their unaltered counterparts, and are protected from certain types of cancer.

“We want to prevent unwanted litters of puppies and kittens from being born and coming into the shelter,” said Executive Director Tammy Davis. “We are committed to saving the lives of animals through spay and neuter.”

No animals are allowed to leave the shelter without being spayed or neutered. Currently, adopted animals often are required to wait at the shelter for spay or neuter appointments with a local veterinarian. The on-site clinic will decrease the amount of time animals are staying in the shelter and help to control animal overpopulation.

“As longtime supporters of the shelter, Judy and Doug Lowrie’s support helped build the new state-of-the-art shelter in 2015,” said Jenny Brock, president of the Animal Control Board. “Their impact has been significant.”

Since that time, the couple has played an active role ensuring that thousands of cats and kittens have been spayed or neutered before being adopted and also helped fund the shelter’s Trap-Neuter-Return program.

“Judy and Doug Lowrie are dedicated advocates for the shelter, bringing attention to the importance of getting animals spayed and neutered,” Davis said. “Their past and current donations have helped to remove some of the financial barriers the Washington County Johnson City Animal Shelter has faced as we work to provide animals with the care and resources necessary for them to be placed into loving, forever homes.”

The clinic will have its own staff including veterinarians, a licensed vet technician, several vet assistants and office staff. A small addition to the shelter will also be constructed to connect the two buildings.