On Friday, Dominique Jones arrived at the New Realm Brewing Co. parking lot to meet Virginia Beach SPCA’s mobile clinic.
She'd heard from a friend that she could get her miniature poodle, Mocha, spayed. At first, she thought the procedure would be in a building.
She found VBSPCA’s new mobile clinic in the parking lot, the Neuter Scooter, which delivers affordable veterinary care throughout Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore.
Since 2012, the nonprofit has spayed and neutered more than 30,000 pets and provided thousands of vaccinations through the mobile clinic. The organization needed a new Scooter, which looks a bit like a big RV but is a specially designed 34-foot medical vehicle.
“Our old one was definitely showing its age, so we were getting to the point where we were getting nervous taking it on longer drives,” said Kindra Haymaker, a licensed veterinary technician and director of clinic operations.
Supported by donors, the new Scooter served about 25 dogs and cats Friday.
“It’s being able to be accessible to the community,” Haymaker said.
Jones said it was convenient. Mocha did well and was ready for a quiet afternoon when it was done.
“She’s never this calm,” Jones said.
Elizabeth Blackmon arrived to pick up Tigg, a stray adopted by the family after Tigg’s mom brought her to them. Blackmon, too, said the service was convenient.
She was glad to hear Tigg had done well.
“For being a stray cat, she’s just the sweetest.”
Tigg meowed from the cat carrier, ready for home and some TLC.
“Oh, baby,” Blackmon responded. “I love you.”
