something that all rescues/shelters should know is that idexx, at least, has a great discount program for 501(c)3s--i'm fuzzy on the current details, but it used to be that you had to buy in bulk (30 test kits, which during kitten season any group can easily go through!), with each test costing under $7/per for the combo test. most shelters/rescues that deal with dogs know how to draw bloods for heartworm testing, so it's not out of the question for them to do their own blood draws for kitties. vet techs will often donate their time to do the blood draws, too, if you ask around...
The thing is, I believe you only need ONE blood drop to do the SNAP test, and you can pull that using a lancet on the ear flap, just like if you wanted to do a blood glucose reading for diabetes. So... no vet needed, no vet tech needed, anyone can be taught to use a lancet on the ear to get a blood droplet. The problem is that everyone's always still doing things the hard way because it's habit, and no one wants to use modern technology and methods. There is NO NEED to draw blood from a vein for tests that only require a drop of blood, this includes the test for anemia, and any SNAP tests. Webpages that show lancets, getting the blood droplet, etc: http://www.sugarcats.net/sites/harry/bgtest.htm http://maxshouse.com/bgtest[1].mpg Phaewryn VT low cost Spay&Neuter, and Emergency Financial Assistance for cat owners: http://ucat.us/VermontLowCost.html Special Needs Cat Resources: http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html
