A large group of veterinary volunteers from the U.S. will be arriving in American Samoa the beginning of next week to work in cooperation with local non profit group, Alofa Mo Meaola (Love for Animals) and the Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Clinic offering free spay/ neuter surgeries for dogs and cats.

Alofa Mo Meaola president Mona King said yesterday that the group of 21, including six veterinarians is scheduled to arrive next Monday and the volunteers are from Animal Balance, an animal welfare organization, and will be on island to participate in a series of village clinics offering free spay/neuter surgeries for dogs and cats.

Based in Washington state, Animal Balance is a global non-profit dedicated to creating positive change on islands around the world, according to the group’s website (animalbalance.net). “With the help of our local partners, we create community-based population management programs for dogs and cats,” it says.

Animal Balance group received a grant from Alley Cat Allies “to help spay/ neuter our growing cat population,” said King, who noted that Alofa Mo Meaola received a Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) from ASG Commerce Department “to spay/ neuter dogs.”

King said that during the clinics, sterilization surgeries will be offered free of charge and include deworming. Other services such as vaccinations, flea/ tick medication, and mange treatment will be available as well.

Additionally, licenses for dogs are strongly encouraged, “and if you purchase a $5 license, you will receive a free collar,” she said.

According to the schedule provided by King, village clinics offering spay/ neuter surgeries for dogs and cats are as follows:

•     Oct 12th and Oct. 13: Fagatogo pavilion

•     Oct 14th Leone village

•     Oct 15th Vatia village

•     Oct 16th South Pacific Academy Gym Tafuna

King said the reason for holding the clinic on Sunday Oct. 16th is to accommodate families who are Seventh Day Adventist Church members as they have been missed out on past clinics as they are unable to participate Friday evening or on Saturday - which is their Sabbath.

“So we wanted to include our Seventh Day Adventist families,” she said, adding that the original location for Oct. 16^th clinic was the church’s compound in Ili’ili but there is a conference there that day so it was moved to SPA gym.

King also says that they will be trapping cats in the evening hours, which is usually when cats come out, at different locations and for the public not to be alarmed; and if anyone needs help in trapping stray cats to call 252-5366.

To schedule surgery or assistance with picking up your pet for surgery call 252-5366.

King said donations are still being accepted and that many items are still needed for the clinics.

Additionally, donations of food and assistance with transportation of volunteers would be greatly appreciated. Please call 252-5366 if you can help.