WALKER, Mich. – April 9, 2024 – The Community Spay Neuter Initiative Partnership (CSNIP), a nonprofit veterinary care provider, today announced it is constructing a 12,000-square-foot veterinary clinic and headquarters in Walker. Located at 1300 Walker Village Dr NW, the facility will merge three small existing CSNIP clinics in Grand Rapids and Fruitport and offer an expanded range of high-volume, reduced-cost veterinary services for financially challenged pet owners throughout 10 West Michigan counties. To fund the project, CSNIP is launching the public phase of its Community Pet Project capital campaign to raise the remaining $565,704 of its $3.6 million budget.
“We have used every inch of space in our existing locations. Our community impact has increased, and we have run out of room, limiting our capacity to meet growing demand. By bringing all our services under one roof, we are improving and expanding service delivery and organizational efficiencies to benefit our clients, their pets and our communities,” said CSNIP Executive Director Sharon Caldwell-Newton. “The generous investments thus far underscore the community’s confidence in our mission to make veterinary care accessible to all pet owners, regardless of their financial standing.”
The Community Pet Project campaign is anchored by significant funding milestones, including a $1 million grant from the Kent County Board of Commissioners through the American Rescue Plan Act and a transformative grant from PetSmart Charities as part of a national accelerator program.
"It is gratifying to witness this project come to fruition, knowing the positive impact it will have on pet owners throughout West Michigan," said Kent County Board of Commissioners Chair Stan Stek. "The Board’s decision to allocate funding for expanded veterinary services demonstrates our dedication to addressing our community's needs, including those of our four-legged members."
In collaboration with Kent County Animal Shelter, CSNIP is a valuable community resource that prevents pet overpopulation, homelessness, and preventable euthanasia, saving taxpayer dollars.
“The City of Walker is pleased to welcome CSNIP to our community. We know the value of providing affordable options for pet owners to ensure their pets are properly cared for. This can alleviate financial strain on families and individuals, making it easier to be responsible pet owners. In a city that loves its pets like family, we know CSNIP will make a positive impact as one of our new community partners,” said Walker Mayor Gary Carey, Jr.
Services offered at the new CSNIP clinic will include spay and neuter surgery, wellness exams, microchip implants, vaccinations and preventatives, soft tissue surgery, skin, ear and eye treatments, surgical tooth extractions, dental cleaning and diagnostic x-rays.
The new clinic will expand services for lakeshore pet owners who will have access to all the expanded services that were not possible at the small, part-time satellite clinic in Fruitport. The Walker location was strategically selected for its geographic accessibility.
“Understanding the significance of this transition, especially for our lakeshore community members, we have been mindful in selecting a new location with proximity to major highways, ensuring equitable access for West Michigan pet families,” said Caldwell-Newton.
Since its inception in 2001, CSNIP has grown to benefit more than 255,000 dogs, cats and pet families throughout West Michigan, serving nearly 24,000 pets in 2023 alone. In addition to meeting the current service demand, the new veterinary clinic and headquarters will provide space to accommodate future growth.
The new CSNIP clinic will include a larger, more welcoming reception and patient check-in area, six wellness and treatment exam rooms, expanded dog and cat kennel space, a surgical suite with space for 10 operating tables and two dental stations – doubling its current capacity. Additionally, the new veterinary clinic will include a mix-use training and conference space for community seminars and staff training.
The expansion of facilities and services will also enhance the established partnership between CSNIP and Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. CSNIP teaches surgical skills to approximately 50 senior veterinary students annually.
“The impact the Community Spay Neuter Initiative Partnership is having here in West Michigan has been tremendous. This program helps families who would be otherwise unable to provide healthcare services for their pets. This new expansion is a testament to the hard work and dedication to the support and services they have provided to families across our community. These services will help to reduce feral animals and improve the quality of life in West Michigan. I am proud to represent this great organization and look forward to seeing their continued success,” said Michigan State Sen. Mark Huizenga.
In July 2024, Wolverine Building Group will begin construction and renovation on the property, with completion anticipated by the first quarter of 2025.
According to a national PetSmart Charities Access to Care Survey, more than 70 percent of U.S. households report having at least one pet. Of those, 45 percent of pet parents say the high cost of veterinary care is prohibitive, with 30% indicating they would struggle to pay a veterinary bill of $500.
CSNIP invites the community to support The Community Pet Project. Donations ranging from $500 to $300,000 will include recognition opportunities. For more information about CSNIP or to donate to The Community Pet Project, visit csnip.org/community-pet-project.
Photos provided by CSNIP.
Press release provided by Adam Russo of COM 616
