Project Grace provides free spay and neuter to Detroit dogs

SaMya Overall | Special to the Detroit Free Press

Rachel Beno said it breaks her heart to see Detroiters forced to give up their dogs because they can't afford pet food or shots.

And what's worse, she said, is when some folks decide to simply turn their pets loose in a misguided attempt to keep them from being euthanized. Often, the dogs end up breeding and adding to the thousands of feral dogs roaming Detroit's streets.

That's why her nonprofit animal welfare organization, Dog Aide, and fellow nonprofit Bark Nation created Project Grace – a program that pays for spay, neutering and more for all Detroit dogs regardless of income.

“We saw a need in the city,” Beno said. “The shelter system is so overpopulated. There’s so many stray dogs running around and homeless animals that aren’t wanted that we wanted to do something to help address this issue. We know money can be an obstacle for a lot of people.

"Typically, the services we provide would probably cost around $130 to $140, so we offer it for free.”

Beno says Project Grace aims to assist local, low-income pet-owners who may be struggling financially to care for their pet.

“We want to keep pets with their people,” Beno said. “That’s our goal. We don’t want them to have to turn them into shelters or give them away, so we help out by providing food, spay and neuter and the vaccines, and daily care items like collars, leashes, and bowls. We also help by educating and providing resources to owners ... it’s just people who have fallen on hard times and need a little bit of help.”

Animal experts note that spaying and neutering not only makes the animals unable to reproduce but helps to prevent health problems such as uterine infections and breast tumors.

Project Grace has spayed and neutered 786 dogs since 2016.

According to the Dog Aide website, the dogs also receive vaccinations, nail trimming, microchipping, an antibiotic shot and their city of Detroit license.

Project Grace meets about twice a month at Detroit Animal Care and Control on Chrysler Service Drive and Custer Street in their parking lot. The veterinary services are provided by All About Animals Rescue from Warren. The services are paid for through general donations, T-shirt campaigns, and fundraising events.

All services are by appointment only. The next open clinic is Aug. 29. To schedule an appointment or volunteer, call 313-855-5866 or email sndetroitdogs@gmail.com. For information, visit the Dog Aide website.