State-of-the-art surgical center comes to Saginaw County Animal Control

KOCHVILLE TWP, MI — A new state-of-the-art surgical center has officially opened within Saginaw County Animal Care & Control.

County officials celebrated the center’s debut with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the shelter, 5615 Bay Road, the afternoon of Wednesday, April 30.

“The opening of this Center only further reinforces our aim to be a proactive resource for pet owners to reduce shelter intakes and improve overall outcomes for every animal in our care,” Animal Control Director Rachel Horton said in a statement.

“Our shelter operations will continue to transform and our compassionate, resource-driven approach prioritizes retention, education and humane solutions to make an even greater impact in 2025 and beyond.”

Saginaw County Board Chairman Jack Tany, Saginaw Police Chief Robert M. Ruth, and Michele Spranger of Michigan Pet Alliance addressed the crowd of about 75 attendees. Staff then conducted tours through the facility.

The Surgical Center resulted from community members identifying critical needs, specifically low-cost sterilization services, basic wellness, microchipping and vaccinations. Animal Control staffers connected with other shelters, directors, and veterinarians and visited similar clinics to study their operations, staffing, equipment and workflows.

The Surgical Center offers faster medical clearance for shelter animals, improves adoptability, and fosters stronger relationships with rescue partners, Horton said.

“We are an ally offering compassionate, accessible services that lift the entire community,” she continued.

She described the shelter as having a progressive and community-focused approach, implementing life-saving strategies that focus on keeping pets with their families, reducing unnecessary shelter intake, and improving outcomes for animals.

The Surgical Center is to provide the following low-cost services and preventative veterinary care:

• Dog sterilization, $150
• Cat sterilization, $50
• Vaccine packages, $25-$50
• Microchipping, $25
• Euthanasia and disposal, $100-$150
• Deworming, $8-$15
• Flea/tick and heartworm prevention

The shelter in 2024 completed 734 pet adoptions, reunited 206 pets with their owners, and provided options to 537 potential owner-surrenders, helping people keep their pets. The shelter also boasted a live-release rate of 76.7%, up from 55.4% in 2023, a significant increase in adoptions, reunifications, and rescue placements.

Animal Control in 2024 also received the Shelter of the Year Award by Keep it Humane and Saving More Animals Responsibly Together (SMART). Animal Control Officer Abbe Balderstone was also named Animal Control Officer of the Year by the Michigan Pet Alliance.

To support SCACC’s efforts, a Spay It Forward Fund has been introduced as a donation-based initiative designed to provide veterinary care for animals in need. Donations provide services for high-need cases identified by staff veterinarians and officers. Additionally, officers provide resources to pet owners before intervention is necessary, preventing unwanted litters and keeping pets in loving homes. Click here to donate.

Adoption fees are $125 for dogs and $50 for cats.

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