Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Kindness Counts has been in business for many years and asked many questions regarding the medical practice of spaying and neutering animals.  Below,  we aim to answer some of the more re-occurring questions. However, should you not find the answer here to your question or still need additional information not answered on our website, please fill out our contact us form with your particular question so we may make every effort to quickly respond back to you.

Q. Do you offer FREE spay and neuter services?

A. No, but we offer greatly reduced rates to the general public.  We also have lower rates for people with 3 or more pets being fixed at the same time and low income households (1-2 people combined income of 30 K or less, 3 or more people with combined income of 40 K or less).  We also receive grants to help cover our spay/neuter costs for certain pets (ex. a large dog grant, a free-roaming/outdoor cat grant, etc.).  These specials will be listed on our website or you may call for more details.

Q. If you are non-profit, why do you charge for vaccinations, spaying and neutering?

A. A non-profit business still has expenses and we cannot serve you without covering our costs.  However, we keep our prices as low as possible to make spay/neuter and vaccinations affordable to everyone.  In addition, we use donations and grants to assist low-income households who cannot afford to even meet our reduced rates.  A household qualifies as low income for 1-2 people with a combined income of $30K or less, 3 or more people with a combined income of $40K or less.

Q. What are the benefits of spaying or neutering my pet?

A. Please refer to the Benefits of Spaying Neutering My Pet page.

Q. What is the minimum pet age for spay/neuter? 

A. Kittens need to weigh at least 2 pounds.  This is typically around 8-10 weeks old.  Puppies need to weigh at least 2 pounds and be a minimum of 3 months old.

Q. Why should I use flea and tick products year round?

A. If you stop treating during the winter months, the existing fleas and eggs can be hatching, feeding, and reproducing in your home throughout the winter. This cycle continues all year unless you protect your pets with a good quality flea/tick preventative. As the preventative cost will vary by the weight of your pet, please call our clinic for pricing.

Q. How much will spaying my pet cost?

A. Depends…….

Q. How does spaying my pet work?

A. Please refer to our detailed page at Spaying Your Pet for a detailed description of the preparation, procedure, after care and healing time involve in spaying your pet.

Q. Can my female dog/cat have surgery while in heat?

A. Yes, we can do surgeries during this time, but when possible we prefer to fix the pet when it is not in heat.

Q. How does neutering my pet work?

A. Please refer to our detailed page at Neutering Your Pet for a detailed description of the preparation, procedure, after care and healing time involve in neutering your pet.

Q. What types of pet vaccinations do you give?

A. Please read our Pet Vaccination Services page for updated details as to what vaccinations are offered and related fees.

Q. Do you vaccinate without spay/ neutering?
Yes, we will vaccinate puppies or kittens scheduled for spay/neuter surgery and we will vaccinate older pets that have already been fixed.

Q. Do you vaccinate pets that are not spayed or neutered?

A. No.  We believe that all cats and dogs should be fixed to prevent unwanted litters. People who do not want to have their pet altered must go to a full service clinic.

Q. Do you charge an examination fee to get vaccinations?

A. No, we charge for the vaccinations only.

Q. How long does it take for a vaccinated puppy or kitten to develop disease protection?  Are they protected after the first vaccination?

A. No, it takes a series of three vaccinations for young pets to be fully protected and older pets (that have not been previously vaccinated) need a series of two shots.  During this time it is recommended that you keep your pet away from other animals.

Q. Do you accept surrendered or abandoned animals? 

A. No. While we would love to be able to house pets and re-home them our facilities are small and we are only licensed as a Spay/Neuter facility. You may call the Sevier County Humane Society (865) 453-7000 or Sevier Animal Care Center (865) 465-6300.

Q. Can you give medical advice over the phone? 

A. No, only a licensed veterinarian can give medical advice, and the pet must be seen by a vet in order to give accurate information. When in doubt, take your pet to a vet!

Q. Do you see sick or injured animals?

A. No.  Our clinic is set up for spay/neuter and vaccinations only. We do not have extensive equipment on site for diagnosis.  This is one way we keep our costs to a minimum for the services that we do provide. Sick or injured animals should be taken to a full service clinic.

Q. Do you declaw cats?
A. No.  If you want your cat or kitten declawed you will need to take it to a full service clinic.

Q. Do you prescribe antibiotics for an animal that has an infection or injury?

A. Animals that are at the clinic for spay/neuter surgery can be evaluated and prescribed antibiotics for a minor wound if needed.  However, sick pets are typically not good candidates for spay/neuter surgery and should be seen at a full service clinic.

Q. What about pain medications? 

A. All pets receive a pain medication injection at the completion of their surgeries. We do not send oral pain medications home with the pet.