Halfway Home Pet Rescue will host its final low-cost public spay and neuter clinic this year starting Friday Oct. 3, and going through Sunday, Oct. 5.
The clinic is fully booked with a long waiting list, and the November clinic has been cancelled, according to Candace Madill, rescue president.
For nearly a decade, the rescue has made affordable spay and neuter services available to Aroostook County families at a time when veterinary care is difficult to access. What began with a single clinic at North Country Animal Hospital has grown into a vital community program, with nine clinics held in 2023, six in 2024 and four in 2025.
These efforts have helped thousands of cats live healthier lives while easing the strain on local families and shelters. However, today’s economic challenges are making it difficult to keep pace with the need. Each clinic costs about $15,000 to $20,000 to operate, depending on whether Maine state Help Fix Me vouchers are available, but clinic donations bring in only a small portion of that amount. The clinic’s public donation fee comprises only about one-eighth of the clinic costs.
Donations from individuals and local businesses are also down in 2025. Meanwhile, many Halfway Home volunteers balance family responsibilities and full-time jobs while giving countless hours to animal care.
“HHPR has always believed the cats come first,” founder and past president Norma Milton said. “The economy has made it very difficult to cover the costs of these programs, but with the community’s help, we hope to continue to make a difference.”
Despite the challenges, HHPR is not totally giving up. The organization will use the winter months to evaluate options and hopes to include two spring spay/neuter clinics in its 2026 budget—if there is enough community support.
“Our clinics gave families hope as there were no other options in Aroostook County,” Milton added. “If you value these services, now is the time to step up. Volunteer, donate, or help spread the information.”
Community members can help keep the clinics going. Here’s how:
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Volunteer your time: Morning or afternoon cat care shifts, clinic registration, disinfecting surgical tools, phone support, computer work, discharging clients with follow-up instructions, and recovery room care (training provided). Outdoor help is also needed for snow removal and lawn care.
Donate: Monetary gifts support clinics, medical emergencies, and day-to-day operations. Quality cat food donations are appreciated and accepted via Chewy and Amazon deliveries.
Spread the word: Share HHPR’s mission, needs, and clinic successes with friends, neighbors, and on social media. Every share helps reach people who can volunteer or donate.
For details, write to the HHPR Board of Directors & Volunteers at P.O. Box 488, Caribou, ME 04736, or email www.halfwayhomepetrescue.org.
