Exchange Physical Therapy Group & Jaclyn Fulop Team Launch City’s First Mobile Low-Cost Spay & Neuter Program for Local Animal Shelter, Liberty Humane Society
JERSEY CITY, N.J. (PRWEB) April 18, 2018 -- Local small business Exchange Physical Therapy Group and Jaclyn Fulop teamed up with Liberty Humane Society and raised over $120,000 for the non-profit animal shelter to launch Jersey City’s first low-cost spay and neuter program.
Exchange Physical Therapy Group in Jersey City and Weehawken, hosted a fundraiser at local distillery Corgi Spirits this week, and through ticket sales and corporate donations, more than quadrupled its initial goal of $25,000 and is hoping to not only fund the first year, but also create an ongoing donor base for subsequent years.
“When we learned about this situation and that a solution was within reach, we immediately knew we had to help,” said Jaclyn Fulop, co-owner of Exchange Physical Therapy Group. “We have seen the benefits an animal can have, through our therapy dog Chloe, and want to make sure all of Jersey City’s dogs and cats have an opportunity at a good life. That’s what this program will provide.”
In New York City, for example, there are many other low-cost/free spay neuter programs serving the community. Residents receiving public assistance in NYC (food stamps, Medicaid/Medicare, housing subsidy) can have their pets spayed or neutered for $5 to $10 through either an ASPCA clinic or the Toby Project. The Toby Project also offers free spay/neuter for “pit bull” type dogs. The ASPCA also has a program where registered “animal rescuers” can bring outdoor cats to be spayed or neutered at no cost. Liberty Humane Society, through the help of Exchange Physical Therapy Group, is hoping to model the NYC approach and provide these low-cost services across the Hudson.
Currently, in New Jersey there are very few subsidies for spay/neuter. Some towns enter into contracts with providers to pay for residents to access discounted services, but they are not very common and still can be too expensive for the pet owner. And in most cases, the town picks up the bulk of the cost. Liberty Humane is looking to raise the funds to cover the low-cost spay and neuter program entirely, similar to the non-profits in New York city.
"We are thrilled to have the support of Exchange Physical Therapy Group and Jaclyn Fulop for this new life-saving spay/neuter program,” said Irene Borngraeber, Executive Director of Liberty Humane Society.
“The lack of affordable spay/neuter surgery in Hudson County has contributed to thousands of accidental litters and unwanted pets entering our shelter system. Making this life-saving procedure both affordable and accessible to pet owners in need is a momentous step towards creating a safer, more humane reality for Jersey City’s pets. We are so grateful for Exchange Physical Therapy Group and Jaclyn's help in expanding these essential services."
Because EPTG has quadrupled its initial goal and raised more than $120,000, Liberty Humane is now able to purchase a mobile spay and neuter van and has the initial funding to subsidize the services. They are continuing to fundraise to get the ongoing funds needed to cover operating expenses.
Due to current capacity and resources, the program is designed initially for large dogs (40+ pounds) and outdoor cats in colonies of 10 or fewer whose owners/caretakers reside in the contracted service areas of Jersey City and Hoboken. Eligible pet owners would pay $10 to spay or neuter their dog or cat.
“We are really excited to work with Liberty Humane Society on this project as we know that it can make an important and lasting impact not only for the animals, but the pet owners as well,” said Jaclyn Fulop. “The community response has been tremendous and we are truly grateful all of the support.”
About Exchange Physical Therapy Group
Exchange Physical Therapy Group is the premier outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinic with two locations at the transit terminals in Exchange Place in Jersey City and Weehawken, NJ. Our team provides one-on-one, personalized treatment plans to our patients with a team-oriented approach. Our physical therapists have unparalleled experience with subspecialties in post-surgical rehab, sport specific rehabilitation, pediatric therapy and women’s health. We strive to enhance all of our patients’ quality of life.
About Liberty Humane Society
Liberty Humane Society (LHS) is the only non-profit animal shelter and control facility in Hudson County, NJ. LHS believes that every shelter pet deserves a second chance at finding a loving home. With the help of hundreds of active volunteers, LHS staff is dedicated to facilitating the best possible outcomes for the animals in residence at the shelter, and to increasing the availability of preventative public services for the community as a whole. The Wellness Clinic provides low-cost health care to help keep local pets in their homes, and LHS adoption counselors place more than one thousand animals in homes each year.
For more information, please contact Irene Borngraeber, Executive Director, Liberty Humane Society at (201) 547-4147x1006 or irene(at)libertyhumane(dot)org.
Jaclyn Fulop, Exchange Physical Therapy Group, http://www.exchangephysicaltherapygroup.com, +1 201-721-6130, [email protected]
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