Coconut Mutts is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to improving animal welfare in American Samoa. The animals and people living in this remote US territory do not have a veterinarian and only have access one veterinary clinic. Typhoons. Rampant disease. Limited access to basic supplies. Big challenges for some of the islands’ smallest inhabitants. With your help we can supply relief for the animals struggling to survive in this remote corner of the United States. 

Success! Thank you to all our wonderful partners who made this clinic happen! ***October 19 – November 11, 2024! Free Spay and Neuter Clinic!

Here are the details:

The Department of Health (DOH) Veterinary Services is excited to announce a FREE Dog Spay & Neuter Village Outreach Clinic, made possible through the generous support of Coconut Mutts donors. Together with partners including Dr. Kathleen Riley, the Office of Samoan Affairs, Parks & Recreation, the Department of Education, the Legislature, Alofa Mo Meaola, Lions Club, and local animal lovers, we will conduct spay and neuter surgeries for adult dogs only over a five-week period across 19 villages.

This initiative aims to control the stray dog population, which has become a growing issue in villages, schools, churches, and public spaces, posing a risk to community health.

Village Clinic Schedule (By Appointment Only):

● Sat. October 19: Leone (Western side, Andra Residence)

● Mon. October 21: Vailoa

● Tues. October 22: Vaitogi

● Wed. October 23: Pavaiai

● Thurs. October 24: Aoloau

● Fri. October 25: Nuuuli

● Mon. October 28: Fagaalu

● Tues. October 29: Pago Pago

● Wed. & Thurs. October 30 & 31: Fagatogo Pavilion

● Fri. November 1: Aua

● November 4-12: Tafuna (at Tafuna Veterinary Clinic)

● Wed. November 13: Alao

● Thurs. November 14: Fagaitua

● Fri. November 15: Laulii

● November 18-19: Tafuna (at Tafuna Veterinary Clinic)

Manu’a Outreach (Assessment/Outreach):

● Nov. 5-7: Ta’u, Fitiuta, Faleasao Islands

● Nov. 8: Travel to Ofu and Olosega Islands

● Nov. 8-11: Ofu and Olosega Islands

Important Guidelines for Appointments:

1. No walk-ins. All dogs must be scheduled in advance. Call 699-9445, send a message via Facebook on the ASG DOH Animal Services profile, email info.animalservices@doh.as, or stop by the Tafuna Veterinary Clinic to make an appointment.

2. Cats are not included. Cat surgeries will be handled separately at the Tafuna Veterinary Clinic.

3. No health checks during this project. These services are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the clinic.

4. Limit of 3 adult dogs per owner. Female dogs are the priority, especially for those unable to afford surgery, so please take advantage of this free service.

5. No pick-up services are available. Owners must transport their dogs to the scheduled location.

Dogs must arrive between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. for intake. Ensure that dogs are healthy (no vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or sneezing), unfed (from the night before), and on a leash. All dogs must be picked up by 3:00 p.m. the same day. If you cannot transport your dog, let the clinic staff know when making your appointment. Stray dogs may be picked up by clinic staff for surgery and returned after recovery.

Spaying and neutering is proven to be the most effective way to control the dog population. The current stray dog situation is due to a lack of consistent services over the past decade, and the rise in dog bites is a community health concern.

Our goal is to spay or neuter 500 dogs by November 19th. Let’s work together to improve the welfare of our dogs and community. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 699-9445 (Tafuna Veterinary Clinic), Shawnti (252-7821), or Andra (733-4122).

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