Maui Humane Society plans to expand its current veterinarian clinic an additional 700 square feet.

KIHEI – Maui Humane Society, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and saving the lives of animals, kicks off 2016 with a $258,000 veterinarian clinic expansion grant from PetSmart Charities.

The expansion of the clinic will support Maui Humane Society’s goal of ending pet overpopulation by providing 5,000 additional low-cost spay and neuter surgeries to the community.

“Last year, we were able to spay and neuter 3,000 animals; that’s a lot but it’s not enough,” said Jerleen Bryant, executive director of the Maui Humane Society. “We receive approximately 8,000 abandoned, lost and homeless animals each year.

“We have a pet overpopulation problem on Maui; expanding our veterinary clinic will help us come closer to managing this serious problem.”

Expanding the current veterinarian clinic an additional 700 square feet will allow Maui Humane Society to conduct more low-cost spay and neuter surgeries. The expansion will include the addition of an examination room, preparation and surgery tables, separate pre- and-post operation rooms for cats and dogs, and space for washer-and-dryer and two additional computers.

Every dog and cat adopted from Maui Humane Society leaves the shelter spayed or neutered. MHS also offers low-cost surgeries to the public for privately owned animals.

“There is a significant need for low-cost spay and neuter services to be made available to residents who want to ‘fix’ their pets but just can’t afford to do it because of financial constraints. The other part of this equation, which we are working hard to address, is the need for public education regarding the problem of pet overpopulation and the importance of spaying and neutering companion animals,” said Bryant.

Expansion work on the veterinarian clinic is expected to start as soon as permits are approved, with a target completion date of August. Maui Humane Society will add a second full-time veterinarian specializing in high-volume, quality spay and neuter surgeries.

To schedule your pet for a spay/neuter surgery, to volunteer, donate or learn more information about Maui Humane Society and upcoming events, call (808) 877-3680 or visit www.mauihumane.org. You can also stay updated through Facebook at www.facebook.com/MauiHumaneSociety or on Twitter @mauihumane.