A new community-driven effort aimed at improving animal welfare and supporting rural pet owners is set to launch this summer in Fayette County. The Carrie Can Project, organized by Chelsea Dexter, will provide affordable spay and neuter services to dog owners who may otherwise struggle to access veterinary care.
The initiative, described as a “practical, no-barrier solution” to pet overpopulation, will debut with its first pilot clinic on July 25, in partnership with the Connersville Veterinary Clinic. The one-day event will serve up to 15 dogs.
“Each animal treated during the pilot clinic will receive spay or neuter surgery, a heartworm test, a rabies vaccination if needed, and basic pre-operative care,” Dexter said.
Dog owners will pay just $40 per pet, with the remaining costs covered through grants, donations, and community support.
“This project is about meeting people where they are,” Dexter said. “In rural communities, accessing affordable veterinary care isn’t always easy. We want to remove those barriers while treating every pet owner with dignity and respect.”
The Carrie Can Project is named in honor of Candace “Carrie” Can, Dexter’s great aunt, who was known for her compassion for animals and commitment to helping others. She also holds the distinction of being Indiana’s first licensed female pilot.
Dexter says rural pet owners often face unique challenges, including limited access to veterinary services, financial constraints, and transportation barriers. As a result, preventative care like spaying and neutering is frequently delayed or skipped altogether.
“The Carrie Can Project aims to close that gap by offering low-cost services in a supportive, judgment-free environment.”
By reducing unwanted litters, the initiative also hopes to ease pressure on local shelters, lower euthanasia rates, and improve overall animal health in the region.
The pilot program is backed by several community partners, including the Fayette County Foundation, which is providing grant funding. Additional support comes from local volunteers, animal welfare advocates, and veterinary professionals.
If successful, organizers plan to expand the model to other rural counties, increase clinic capacity, and offer additional services such as vaccination and wellness clinics. Educational outreach on responsible pet ownership and potential partnerships with veterinary schools are also part of the long-term vision.
“Our goal is to build something sustainable that communities can continue on their own,” Dexter said. “This isn’t just a one-time event, it’s the start of a model that can grow.”
With its first clinic just months away, the Carrie Can Project is already generating interest among local residents and animal advocates eager to see a new approach to rural animal care take root in Fayette County.
There is a GoFundMe where people can donate at:
Discover more from Whitewater Valley Voice
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.