When my sweet Baby Bailey, officially Bailey Blanqui Dominguez, was scheduled to be spayed this past Saturday, December 13, I wanted to be sure she was in a place that truly understood cats: their sensitivity, their needs, and the trust we place in the people who care for them.

From the moment I found out about PURRR Adoption + Sanctuary, it was clear this wasn’t just a clinic, but it is a space rooted in compassion, expertise, and a genuine passion for feline well-being. 

The team’s calm energy, thoughtful communication, and cat-centered approach make what can often be a stressful experience feel reassuring and supportive, and not just for Baby Bailey, but for cat parents as me as well.  

To learn more about what makes PURRR such an essential resource for South Florida’s cats and their humans, I spoke with Michelle Schecht, Executive Director of PURRR Adoption + Sanctuary. 
 
What makes PURRR unique compared to other pet-friendly environments in South Florida? 

PURRR operates one of South Florida’s few feline-only, high-volume, high-quality spay and neuter clinics. Because we work exclusively with cats, everything — from our medical protocols to the overall flow of the day — is built around their needs. This allows us to provide efficient, affordable care while keeping stress low for both pets and their people. 

We also serve a critical community need. The demand for affordable spay and neuter services far outpaces availability in South Florida, especially for free-roaming and community cats. PURRR’s clinic helps close that gap, reducing overpopulation at the source while supporting individuals, rescue groups, and trappers who are doing this work every day. 

How is the atmosphere designed to help both cats and their humans feel relaxed and comfortable? 

Our clinic is efficient, calm, and very intentionally cat focused. As a high-volume clinic, we keep the process smooth and predictable, so cats move through their visit with as little stress as possible. We minimize wait times, maintain an organized flow, and make sure guardians know what to expect at each step. 

Even in a fast-paced environment, our team works exclusively with cats and understands how to handle them safely and gently. We pay close attention to feline body language and use low-stress techniques throughout intake, surgery prep, and recovery. We’re not offering a spa day, of course, but we do work hard to make the experience as calm and professional as possible, with a team that genuinely cares about every cat who comes through our doors. 

How does the staff ensure cleanliness, safety, and a positive overall experience? 

Cleanliness and safety are foundational to our clinic operations. We follow strict sanitation and surgical protocols, keep our workflow organized, and ensure that every area, especially pre-op and recovery, is maintained to a high standard throughout the day. 

But the “vibe” matters too. Cats pick up on energy, and so do their humans. We work hard to keep the environment calm, friendly, and respectful. Our goal is for every client, feline and human, to feel they’re in a place that truly cares. 

Do you offer opportunities for education and community engagement around spaying and neutering? 

Yes. Education is a core part of our mission, especially around the impact of spay and neuter on overpopulation in South Florida. Our team regularly talks with guardians, rescue partners, and community cat caregivers about why sterilization matters, what to expect after surgery, and how these procedures save lives by preventing future litters. 

We also collaborate closely with community trappers and rescue groups working on the front lines. These relationships strengthen the broader effort to reduce overpopulation. As we move toward bringing all operations under one roof, we hope to expand that role even further, creating a place where people can connect, learn best practices, and access resources that support their work in the community. 

What can sweet kitties like Baby Bailey expect from the experience? 

Baby Bailey will be in good hands from the moment she arrives. Our team moves slowly, handles gently, and works to keep the entire experience as calm as possible. Her procedure will be performed by an experienced veterinarian who does these surgeries every day, supported by a skilled medical team. 

Afterward, she’ll rest in a warm, quiet recovery area where she’s monitored closely until she’s ready to go home. Most cats do well after their procedure and are comfortable enough to eat, rest, and settle back in at home later that day. Recovery times vary, but with a calm environment and proper aftercare, cats typically show steady improvement within the next day or so. 

Why is spaying and neutering so important for feline health? 

Spaying and neutering are among the most important steps cat guardians can take to protect feline health and well-being. The benefits include: 

• Reducing or eliminating the risk of reproductive cancers and infections 

• Decreasing roaming, fighting, and behaviors that put cats at risk 

• Reducing spraying and territorial behaviors 

• Supporting longer, healthier lives overall 

Most importantly, spay and neuter prevent unwanted litters, something urgently needed in South Florida, where the number of homeless cats far exceeds available resources. One simple surgery can prevent countless kittens from being born into already overwhelmed conditions. It’s one of the most effective and compassionate tools we must reduce suffering and save lives. 

For more information on PURRR Adoption + Sanctuary, visit www.purrr.org. PURRR Adoption + Sanctuary is located at 331 NW 26th Street, Wilton Manors, FL.