$35,000 donor gift will seed Rover mobile spay/neuter pilot; partners aim to add capacity

Representatives from Pet Community Center, Nashville Humane and MAC told the working group they are launching a pilot to expand spay/neuter capacity using a mobile clinic. Pet Community Center reported its first “Friday Fix” clinic completed 28 surgeries (16 dogs and 12 cats) of 32 scheduled, with most procedures funded by Friends of MAC.

Director Harrington and partner organizations said an estate gift of $35,000 will seed a Rover mobile initiative; Nashville Humane will match the donation. Organizers plan a three-month pilot in 2025 to assess capacity, staffing and cost-effectiveness. “Someone in their estate left us a pretty sizable amount of money … $35,000,” Harrington said, noting the funds would help cover staffing, fuel and other operational costs.

Speakers estimated mobile-clinic capacity at about 20–30 surgeries per day depending on species and case complexity and said the biggest expense is securing a contract veterinarian, which this meeting estimated could cost roughly $500 a day in previous years and as much as $1,500 per day now. Staff said the mobile unit will be stationed at preannounced locations (not house-by-house) and clients will sign up via a QR code and website link.

Councilmembers encouraged MAC and partners to include pilot estimates in budget planning so potential city support can be considered early.

Next clinic dates cited by Pet Community Center included Oct. 25 and Nov. 15; the partners said they would revisit capacity figures after the pilot and present budget requests if the pilot shows promise.