Five years later, demand still high for Big Fix spay/neuter program

Feb. 28—Five years after it was created, the Big Fix program has helped spay or neuter more than 3,400 dogs in Lucas and Wood counties.

The Big Fix, created by local animal advocate Steve Serchuk, first launched in Lucas County during the 2016 license year. It expanded into Wood County the following year. The program subsidizes the cost of altering licensed dogs through Humane Ohio with funds provided by county commissioners and donors.

"It encourages people to license their dog because it's only a benefit for licensed dogs," Mr. Serchuk said. "A big segment of the population wants to do the right thing and have their dogs fixed, but have difficulty affording it."

Julie Lyle, director of Humane Ohio, said the clinic sees ongoing need for spay/neuter services, and the Big Fix program is always in high demand.

"We still get more calls than we have slots for," she said. "People want to do the right thing and be responsible pet owners."

The $15 fee Big Fix participants pay is rolled back into the program to subsidize surgeries for more animals. In 2020, 511 dogs from Lucas County and 156 from Wood County were altered through the program. The number would have been higher, but Humane Ohio closed for six weeks amid the coronavirus pandemic, and remaining Big Fix funds were pushed into 2021.

Mr. Serchuk said he expects the program to be in even greater demand this year as families struggle through the pandemic's effects. Ms. Lyle said last week the clinic had over 200 Big Fix appointments scheduled: 175 for Lucas County canines and 46 for Wood County.

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"It's been a great, ongoing program," she said. "It's definitely been a great partnership."

Commissioners in both counties agree. Lucas County contributed $38,500 to Big Fix in 2020.

"I think people need the assistance," said Tina Skeldon Wozniak, president of the Lucas County Commissioners.

She noted the county continues to support the program, as does Wood County. Wood County contributed $6,000 in 2020, which was doubled by donations from Betco and the Midwest Happy Tails Animal Fund established by Mr. Serchuk at the Toledo Community Foundation.

"We went from being very skeptical that residents would use it to firm believers in the program," said Doris Herringshaw, the Wood County Commissioners' president. "It certainly has proven us wrong, and that's a good thing. We are really pleased to be part of the project."

She noted the ultimate goal of reducing the population of stray and unwanted dogs will only benefit counties by reducing the number of canines running loose and entering county shelters, and also boosting safety for residents.

"It's really more than that," Ms. Herringshaw said. "It has to do with the fact that we're taking better care of the pets that are in Wood County."

First Published February 28, 2021, 12:00am