The Luke and Lily Lerner Spay and Neuter Clinic: Combining Veterinary Education with Community Service
The Luke and Lily Lerner Clinic serves as a critical intersection between professional veterinary training and accessible animal welfare. Affiliated with the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, the clinic provides a dual service: offering essential surgical training for veterinary students while providing low-cost or free spay and neuter services to pets in need across central Massachusetts.
A Mission of Accessibility and Education
Established in 2003, the clinic resulted from a collaboration between the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and the Massachusetts Animal Coalition (MAC). The facility is named after Luke and Lily, two cats belonging to Sandy Lerner, a founder of the Bosack and Lerner foundations.
Today, the clinic focuses on serving specific underserved populations, including:
- Low-Income Pet Owners: The clinic provides free spay services to low-income residents within Massachusetts.
- Rescue Organizations: It supports 501(c)(3) organizations and shelters from central Massachusetts to help prepare adoptable animals for their forever homes.
- Veterinary Students: The clinic offers a defining milestone for students, providing a supervised environment to prepare for and perform their first surgeries.
Patient Eligibility and Clinic Guidelines
Because the Lerner Spay/Neuter Clinic operates as a specialized facility with a focus on student training and specific community needs, there are strict guidelines regarding which patients can be accepted.
Accepted Patients
The clinic provides services for dogs and cats that meet the following criteria:
- Age: Patients must be between 14 weeks and seven years old.
- Weight: Animals must weigh between 10 and 65 pounds.
Patients Not Accepted
To maintain safety and training standards, the clinic does not provide services for the following:
- Feral or free-roaming cats (including eartipping).
- Pediatric patients under 4 months of age.
- Large cats.
- Bully breeds.
- Pregnant or elderly animals.
Comprehensive Care and Facilities
While the primary focus is spay and neuter surgeries, the facility is a full-service veterinary clinic. It offers limited wellness services in conjunction with spay/neuter procedures. The Junior Spay Lab is available to low-income owners and 501(c)(3) organizations at no cost.
The clinic is located in North Grafton, Massachusetts, with addresses listed at 200 Westboro Road and 55 Willard Street. For those seeking services, the clinic maintains a waiting list for privately owned dogs and contacts owners on an as-needed basis.
Career Opportunities at the Lerner Clinic
As part of its commitment to high-quality care and education, Tufts University continues to expand its professional staff. The university is currently hiring a Veterinary Technician III to join the team at the Lerner Clinic in North Grafton, Massachusetts.
Key Takeaways: Luke and Lily Lerner Clinic
- Primary Purpose: Surgical training for Tufts veterinary students and affordable spay/neuter services for the community.
- Eligibility: Open to low-income owners and 501(c)(3) rescues; patients must be 14 weeks to 7 years old and weigh 10–65 lbs.
- Exclusions: Does not treat feral cats, bully breeds, or animals under 4 months.
- Location: North Grafton, MA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the clinic treat feral cats?
No, the clinic does not alter or refer feral/free-roaming cats, nor do they perform eartipping.
Is there a cost for services?
There is currently no cost associated with the Junior Spay Lab for 501(c)(3) organizations and low-income owners. Free spay services are also provided to low-income pet owners in Massachusetts.
How can I contact the clinic?
The clinic can be reached by phone at (508) 887-4326 or via email at paula.dryden@tufts.edu.