The Baypath Humane Society was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from the Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Family Foundation to support its Pilot Surgical Program with VCA Animal Hospitals.

   With the grant funds and the ability to use the VCA Westborough Animal Hospital’s surgical suite and equipment for spay and neuter surgeries on weekends, Baypath will now be able to reduce the cost of those surgeries without having to renovate its small space for this purpose.

   “We are always looking for ways to increase efficiency so we can serve the needs of more dogs and cats,” said Baypath Humane Society Executive Director Elizabeth Jefferis. “We’re incredibly thankful to the foundation for believing in this vision. Thanks to their support, we can continue to invest in new opportunities that will make the shelter more efficient at helping stray and unwanted animals.”

   Currently, the VCA Westborough Animal Hospital hosts spay and neuter clinics for Baypath every month. In 2019, Baypath hopes to expand the Pilot Surgical Program to accommodate critical procedures such as mass removals and dental surgeries.

   “It means so much to us to have the respect and trust of the VCA,” said Jefferis. “This partnership allows us to ease the stress for animals by shortening their surgery day, conducting surgeries in a more efficient manner, and ultimately helping more animals in need.”

   VCA Marketing Manager for the Northeast Group of VCA Animals Hospitals Meighan McNally said the VCA is both proud and honored to be able to assist Baypath mold and form their new cost-effective spay and neuter services.

   “By coming together this past year on myriad levels, we have been able to show the greater Metrowest community that we are committed to working together for the love of pets,” said McNally. “Providing the space and technology to perform these surgeries is one of the many examples of our successful partnership.”

   As part of VCA’s mission to increase the number of adopted animals placed in good homes, the organization promotes pet adoption from local animal shelters and rescue organizations and works together with animal rescues to provide shelter pets with expert pet healthcare. VCA Animal Hospital has been a pivotal supporter of Baypath Humane Society, serving as a corporate sponsor of the 2018 Paws & Claws 5K and donating more than $4,400 to the shelter a part of its “Pennies for Pals” program.