Animal Advocacy And Affordable Services Goal Of New Non-Profit Taking Over Putnam Clinic

The Wags and Whiskers non-profit will become Putnam County focused as it takes over the Putnam County Spay and Neuter Clinic.

The founders of the Crossville-based non-profit were looking for a new purpose for the organization as they wanted to retire. Putnam County Resident Elizabeth Sophia said the founders’ desires just happened to align with the issues in Putnam County.

“The plan is to reopen the clinic in Putnam County at the same location,” Sophia said. “The purpose of the 501-C is to aid in the transition. We have to have another 501-C to transfer assets, so that is what we are doing in Putnam County.”

Sophia will serve as the board president. Sophia said the non-profit will be Putnam-based moving forward. Sophia said the new board of directors include local residents while two original members will remain to assist in the transition.

“Our goal is primarily animal advocacy,” Sophia said. “We want to offer spay and neuter services for those that cannot afford otherwise, and we want to reduce the homeless pet population.”

Sophia said the board wants to use a subsidized model to offset costs for spay and neuters. Sophia said right now, only low-income families get assistance, but the organization wants to use grant funding to get additional fees covered.

“We feel very confident,” Sophia said. “We have a lot of support from very helpful members in the community that are helping us get off our feet at the beginning. We have a model to make up the deficit. We have also met with all the employees individually, and we feel good about the personnel moving forward.”

Community support will be a large part of the clinic’s success. Sophia said the non-profit will retain all employees that want to stay and use volunteers to fill any vacancies during the transition.

As for when the clinic could reopen, Sophia said it all depends on when supplies will be transferred as well as permitting. Sophia said the group plans to keep the Major Michael Shipley Memorial Spay Neuter Clinic name.