Last Friday morning, a service that put smiles on the faces of pet lovers, if not the pets themselves, was provided for the community courtesy of the ASPCA and Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell.

The ASPCA's Mobile Veterinary Unit, the "Care-a-Van," a privately funded program, set up shop in the parking lot of the village community center, thanks to the efforts of Tommy and Jerry O'Brien, where for a suggested donation of $25, cats and dogs were spayed or neutered and in some cases given rabies vaccines.

"It's great, all the work is done right here," said O'Connell who was on hand to wish the patients well.

O'Connell heard of this service in Albany and familiar with the numerous stray cats that populate her district, particularly in the Mineola area, she invited the vehicle to make several stops including the one in Mineola and one in Uniondale on Feb. 19.

"I thought this would be a great opportunity to obtain these services for the people of Mineola at an affordable fee," said O'Connell.

Friday's van was operated by technician coordinator Chris Fagan who works with numerous veterinarians to offer these services to animals.

He arrived at around 9 a.m. and left around 2 p.m. It is a five day a week program.

A typical visit to the "Care-a-Van" is one where the cat or dog, between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, is dropped off at the van after the owner fills out a simple form.

The van can hold up to 12 cats and four dogs under 15 lbs each, two dogs if they are over 15 lbs. There is a 40 lbs weight limit on dogs due to the cage space available.

Last Friday, the van serviced seven animals from the Mineola, New Hyde Park and Westbury area.

With a skilled veterinarian the cat or dog is put under sedation for 15 minutes of surgery. Two hours after the surgery the animal should be up and aware. Fifteen years ago the process took a week, according to Fagan.

Carol Pytel, who works in Mineola, heard about the services in the paper and decided to bring her cat Taz. Taz was found as a newborn kitten behind a garage in Valley Stream and was raised by the Pytels and their dog Jake.

"Oh this is great, are you kidding me. It saves so much time and money," said Pytel of the services.

The service the "Care-a-Van" provides helps put an end to unwanted animals.

"It helps make a little bit of a difference and it educates people," explained Fagan.

Anyone interested in inquiring about these services can call (212) 876-7700.