Spay/Neuter Clinic Mentorship Network
The ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance Clinic Mentorship Network (ACMN) is designed to offer mentorship to organizations opening a new high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) program or expanding an existing one. In addition to the ACMN program, we provide resources and opportunities for virtual consultation to both new and established HQHVSN or shelter spay/neuter clinics.
ACMN FAQs
ACMN members are part of a network and will be able to connect with other ASPCA departments and spay/neuter organizations across the country through collaboration and shared mentorship. In addition, staff will have:
- The opportunity to train with ASNA staff
- Access to future virtual consultations and training
- Opportunities to apply for ACMN-specific equipment grants
- Access to certain vendor discounts
- And more...
To join ACMN, we ask that you:
- Be a 501(c)(3) organization or a clinic of a municipal shelter
- Plan to perform at least 5,000 spay/neuter surgeries each year, with a significant percentage being public-facing and/or community cat surgeries
- Have established an active board of directors for the organization with at least four independent members, a broad base of skills, and bylaws outlining the governance and structure of the board
- A willingness to support and collaborate with other clinics and ASPCA departments in the future as part of a network
Applications open once a year, in January or February for a 6-week application window. We accept up to 1-2 new organizations each year.
Since 2004, around 200 clinics have trained as a part of the program. There are 132 clinics across 38 U.S. states and Canadian provinces who are active members of ACMN. Together, ACMN-member clinics have performed over 13 million spay/neuter surgeries since joining the program.
We typically accept up to 1-2 new organizations each year.
For all HQHVSN clinics, we offer virtual consults when applicable and are happy to talk over phone, email or tele-services to help answer questions relating to your spay/neuter operations.
To seek guidance on a specific question for your clinic, you can Ask ASNA! here.
For resources specific to starting a spay/neuter clinic, see below:
- Building & Equipment Resource Guide
- Clinic Equipment List (will download)
- Budget Spreadsheet Guide
- Daily Flow Guide
- Setting Up a Spay/Neuter Transport Program
- Spay/Neuter Program Community Assessment
In addition, we have a library of resources for existing spay/neuter clinics.
For clinics accepted into the mentorship program, there are no fees to the ASPCA, however, your organization is responsible for fundraising the following costs:
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Building purchase/lease funds
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Any necessary building renovations
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Reserve funds for your first year of opening
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Start-up equipment and consumables
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Travel expenses related to your team's visit to Asheville, NC for training
"There are already things we've implemented at our clinic thanks to the time at ASNA. From a high-level perspective, our techs and front staff members feel like they have more leadership skills and felt honored to be able to learn skills directly from experts."