CTUIR to Host Free Spay/Neuter Clinic May 2-3 at Umatilla Tribal Fire Department

MISSION – The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) is again hosting a free spay/neuter clinic for pets this year in conjunction with First Nations Veterinary and the 15/10 Foundation.

Kendyl DeJong, CTUIR animal control officer, said the clinic will be held May 2-3 at the Umatilla Tribal Fire Department at 73382 Confederated Way.

“The goal is to prevent unwanted litters from roaming our reservation and to provide the community a high-volume, no-cost clinic with vaccinations due to high cost of veterinary services in our area,” she said.

The approximate cost for each pet seen at the clinic runs between $110 to $125 with a $10 dollar rabies vaccination, if needed, DeJong said. However, with the sponsorships from First Nations Veterinary and the 15/10 Foundation, all fees are waived.

“Dogs will receive spaying and neutering, vaccinations, a microchip and flea and tick medication. Cats receive spaying and neutering and vaccinations. We can’t do vaccine-only appointments. We only get enough vaccines donated for our surgical patients.”

DeJong said pets must be between 2 months old and 5 years old, weigh 60 pounds or less and live within the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

“The age 5 is given because of difficulties or complications during the procedure that can and do happen with older dogs and cats,” she said. “And the surgical table is a portable unit and can only hold up to 60 pounds, and if it breaks it will shut down the clinic.”

For owners of dogs over the weight limit, DeJong said the Pendleton Animal Welfare Shelter (PAWS) has a low-cost spay and neuter clinic available.

During the 2025 clinic, approximately 100 pet owners received the free help. And though she didn’t know the number of available spots for this year’s clinic, DeJong said pet owners must register at https://firstnationsvet.com/umatilla-nation with a drop-off time for dogs at 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. for cats on both days.

DeJong also said she expects the CTUIR to host the clinic on an annual basis.

First Nations Vet is a volunteer-based organization that provides veterinary services to pets living in First Nations communities. The organization aims to support pet health and welfare in such communities and rely on volunteers, including veterinarians and technicians, to operate the clinics For more information, visit https://firstnationsvet.com.

The 15/10 Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps people pay people their pets’ medical bills, encourages people to get pet insurance and fills a void in the animal welfare world by sponsoring pets with behavioral or medical issues unlikely to ever make it out of a shelter. For more information, visit https://15outof10.org.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation is comprised of the Cayuse, Walla Walla and Umatilla Tribes, and formed under the Treaty of 1855 at the Walla Walla Valley, 12 Stat. 945. In 1949, the Tribes adopted a constitutional form of government to protect, preserve and enhance the reserved treaty rights guaranteed under federal law.