Shelter Rolls Out New Mobile Spay, Neuter Van

The group behind the is launching a new mobile spay and neuter van this month that will provide low-cost vet services in the city and beyond, according to Denton Infield, shelter manager.

The Associated Humane Societies (AHS), which manages the Newark shelter and two others in New Jersey, purchased the van and rigged it out with state-of-the-art vet equipment, Infield said.

"It's got everything," Infield said during a tour last month of the large, white van that was parked next to the Newark animal shelter, which is located on Evergreen Avenue off Frelinghuysen Avenue in the South Ward.

The van is tricked out like a recreation vehicle that has been retrofitted to be a mobile vet unit. Photos of a cat and dog adorn the van along with a folding canopy.

Inside are 23 cages for cats and dogs. There is a stainless steel surgery table out in the back with a surgeon’s examining light. Cabinets for medical equipment. A scale for pets. Plus, a lavatory for the full-time veterinarian and a vet tech.

There is a small kitchenette with a sink, microwave, fridge, and other amenities. For comfort, there's an overhead air-conditioning unit built into the ceiling. The van also has hydraulic lifters for when the vehicle is on unsteady ground, said Infield.

AHS received a $200,000 grant for the van from the John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation of Connecticutt, according to an AHS August newsletter this year.

"The John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation was created by an Indenture of Trust for the purpose of protecting and improving the welfare of animals of all kinds, but focusing on cats and dogs, the promotion of veterinary programs and the protection of wildlife, including endangered species of flora and fauna," according to AHS' website.

Lisa Bongiovanni, staff vet, will head the operations in the van, according to the AHS newsletter. AHS consulted on the van with the NY ASPCA, which has run a mobile spay/neuter program for over 10 years.

In other Newark animal shelter news:

• People can check out pets up for adoption at the Facebook page, Friends of the Newark NJ Animal Shelter. The page is frequently updated with new profiles of animals up for adoption.
• Other animals can be found at the shelter's Petfinder website.