EUGENE, Ore. – The Willamette Animal Guild, a low-cost spay and neuter clinic that served Lane County for 18 years, has shut down.
Also known as WAG, the organization played a key role in controlling the pet population in Lane County by offering services at reduced prices.
In a statement, WAG said its longtime president is dealing with serious health challenges, which forced her to step down. The group added that it could not find a replacement, and without her leadership, it made the decision to close.
“It is with great sadness in our hearts that the WAG board must announce the closure of our low-cost spay/neuter clinic, effective immediately,” the WAG Board of Directors said.
Andria Saxon, owner of Pawsitive Wellness Veterinary Care, said the community will feel the loss of WAG.
“Not everybody can afford to have their pets spayed or neutered at, you know, the going rates,” Saxon said. “It’s important to have enough resources so that people that do want to do the responsible thing and have their pets spayed or neutered and make sure that we are controlling our pet population.”
The WAG Board of Directors said it is working to issue refunds for scheduled surgeries. While the organization is saddened by the closure, it noted that several other low-cost clinics have opened in Lane County.
Two clinics — Spay & Neuter Clinic in West Eugene and Main Street Spay Neuter in Springfield — continue to offer procedures at lower costs than typical rates. However, Saxon said losing WAG will still create challenges for pet owners.
“I know there’s a couple of other resources out there, but having two or three to choose from really helps people make good choices and then maybe timing of being able to get their pets in,” Saxon said. “The less resources we have, the longer the wait will be for people to be able to receive those services.”
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