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Prairie Paws announces $400,000 grant to fund mobile low‑cost spay/neuter program across Kansas
Summary
Prairie Paws informed commissioners it received a roughly $400,000 grant to fund a mobile low‑cost spay/neuter clinic that will serve underserved Kansas counties; the organization plans to purchase a custom mobile unit and hopes state sales tax legislation for shelters will exempt the purchase.
Prairie Paws presented its 2024 annual report and told the commission it received a roughly $400,000 grant late in December to support a new mobile low‑cost spay/neuter program across Kansas.
Director Kelly said Prairie Paws served 5,386 animals across all locations in 2024, with 2,641 animals served at the Franklin County/Ottawa location. The December grant will fund a custom mobile clinic (a fifth‑wheel gooseneck unit) estimated at about $300,000–$350,000 to expand low‑cost spay/neuter services into underserved counties such as Lyon, Anderson, Miami, Osage, Coffey and Linn.
Program details and cost concerns: Kelly said the mobile clinic will supplement existing low‑cost services already run out of the Ottawa location (which handled nearly 1,000 low‑cost spay/neuter procedures last year). The nonprofit noted costs and asked commissioners and residents to consider legislative support for a recurring bill that seeks to exempt animal shelters from paying sales tax on large capital purchases; Prairie Paws said the bill has been introduced in both chambers in past sessions and staff are “cautiously optimistic” this year but that committee and committee scheduling remain factors.
How residents can access services: For Ottawa/Franklin County residents who want the low‑cost program, Prairie Paws requires an online application and prepayment to secure an appointment; pricing cited in the presentation was $85 for cats and $125 for dogs, which includes a full round of vaccines and a microchip.
Ending: Prairie Paws said the mobile clinic will prioritize counties with limited access to affordable spay/neuter care; staff requested local advocacy on the sales tax exemption bill and will continue to update the commission on rollout details.
