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A grand opening celebration for the new Judy and Doug Lowrie Spay and Neuter Clinic at the Washington County/Johnson City Animal Shelter, 3411 N. Roan St., Johnson City, will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 14, from 9:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Open to the public, this event will kick off with a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by festivities that include giveaways, behind-the-scene tours, and food trucks.

“We are excited about the impact the Judy and Doug Lowrie Spay and Neuter Clinic will have on reducing the number of unwanted litters of cats and dogs in Washington County,” said outgoing board President Jenny Brock. “We are so grateful to the Lowries for their very generous donation that has enabled us to build this state-of-the-art clinic. With the addition of the clinic, the Washington County/Johnson City Animal Shelter provides flagship services to over 4,000 animals that come through the shelter annually. Our ultimate goal is to reduce that number.”

The clinic’s priority will be shelter animals who can be spayed or neutered quickly in the new clinic. Secondly, animals from surrounding shelters will be brought in for spaying or neutering. Finally, the new clinic offers reduced rates for members of the public who wish to ensure their personal pets do not add to the unwanted animal population. Through the generosity of shelter donors financially distressed individuals will be offered special surgical rates.

Washington County/Johnson City Animal Shelter Executive Director Tammy Davis says while the focus of the facility will initially be Washington County, she hopes to expand and provide more of a regional impact in the future.

“The ultimate goal of the Judy and Doug Lowrie Spay and Neuter Clinic is to improve the health and wellbeing of the animals in our shelter and community while controlling population growth by having access to affordable and timely spay/neuter surgery and wellness clinics,” said Davis.

The facility is funded entirely through donors. Clinic staff includes two veterinarians who perform the surgeries and work on a rotating basis.

For more information and to make an appointment for the spay and neuter program please call 423-722-5660 or text 423-850-4071, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. or visit the website at https://www.loc8nearme.com/tennessee/johnson-city/washington-county-johnson-city-animal-center/6656111/