Pet owners in Wrangell may soon benefit from the acquisition of an X-ray machine at Coniff’s Critters, if current fundraising efforts meet their goals.

Ashley Allen and Jacci Spry saw a need in the community and wanted to do something about it.

“Limited veterinary services was honestly one of the factors I considered when deciding to move back to Wrangell,” Allen said. She has two large rescue dogs, Cash and Cooper, and would feel better knowing there are diagnostic tools in place before needing them.

“There are enough animals — and people who love them in town — to make this happen.”

Spry, who also has a collection of rescue dogs and cats, did some research and found a quality trade-in X-ray machine from a hospital in Anchorage.

“The equipment has been completely serviced and is in good operating condition. There’s no difference in how any X-ray equipment produces X-rays to create an image for evaluating a patient’s condition, whether that patient is a person or a pet.”

Having access to X-ray images is both a diagnostic and financial benefit for pet owners. Currently, when animals require X-rays, they have to be flown to Ketchikan, which entails plane fare for owners and pets, potential hotel costs, time away from work, as well as prolonged pain or stress for the animal.

Early diagnosis could also make a difference in an animal’s health outcomes.

Greg Nakamasu was volunteering at a fundraising table for the X-ray machine at the Saturday Market in the Nolan Center on July 11. “I had to put down my dog earlier this year because of cardiomyopathy. If it had been detected early with an X-ray, it could have maybe been treated before it was critical,” he said.

Having on-site equipment is an ongoing commitment.

“We are so appreciative of our local vet, Judge Coniff, for agreeing to take on this project with us,” said Spry.

“He is making space to house this device for its use at Coniff’s Critters, and taking on the responsibility of meeting and maintaining requirements of the state’s radiation safety program by paying the annual X-ray tube registration fee and utilizing a required dosimetry program (units to measure the amount of radiation).”

The fundraising goal is at least $16,000. That includes the X-ray unit, shipping, tube registration fee, lead aprons and other supplemental equipment. Anything raised above that amount will go into a fund for maintenance and annual fees. They are hoping to raise the total by the end of August. 

“We have a GoFundMe account that can be seen on the Wrangell Community Group Facebook page, an account at First Bank for Wrangell Paws and People Alliance, and a 50/50 raffle. We’ll be selling raffle tickets at various pop-up locations like IGA and City Market, or you can contact us,” said Allen.

They have also applied for a 2026 HELP grant through the Wrangell Elks Lodge. 

For questions or donations, contact Spry at 970-290-7571 or Allen at 907-305-0981.