Help reduce the number of unwanted pets by spaying and neutering.
Preventing unwanted litters of kittens and puppies by spaying and neutering is the only certain way to end pet overpopulation. For low-income people in Kentucky and elsewhere, help is available through various agencies that subsidize pet sterilization. Low-income individuals may also contact the local humane society or volunteer animal rescue groups for more information about discount spay/neuter services in a particular area of Kentucky.
Kentucky Animal Control Advisory Board Grants
The Kentucky Animal Control Advisory Board provides grants to animal shelters throughout the state to assist low-income residents in having their animals spayed and neutered. Under the auspices of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, funding is administered by each county. Residents should contact the Office of the County Executive in their particular county for additional program and application information. Funding, and participating counties and animal shelters vary from year to year.
Nonprofit Animal Organizations
Various nonprofit animal rescues and welfare organizations offer discount spaying and neutering. Some programs are available only for those with certain income levels, while others do not have income restrictions. Many of these programs work with specific veterinarians or veterinary hospitals to provide spay/neuter services at lower rates. Some groups may only provide services for cats and others only for dogs. Many programs offer certificates for discount surgeries, which the pet owner must bring to a participating veterinarian. Some nonprofit groups offering spay/neuter help include the Animal Refuge Center in Vine Grove; Home At Last in Salvisa, for cats only; and Save the Animals Foundation in Lebanon, for Washington and Marion county residents.
Louisville Area Discount Spay/Neuter Programs
Qualifying individuals in the metropolitan Louisville area may take advantage of the S.P.O.T. Low Cost Veterinary Services program. In addition to spaying and neutering, dogs and cats receive licenses, rabies shots and micro-chipping for one fee. Fees for the service are based on a sliding scale according to household income. Pet owners must provide income documentation for eligibility. A mobile spay/neuter van also makes regular rounds in the metro area. Owners must make an appointment for the service before taking the pet for spaying or neutering.
Madison County Discount Spay/Neuter Program
Low-income residents of Madison County, including those on government assistance or disability, may apply for the discount spay/neuter program offered by the Humane Society, Animal League for Life. In an attempt to reduce the number of animals killed in local shelters, the program offers reduced rates for residents meeting income limitations. Only Madison County residents are eligible for the discounts, and all sterilizations depend on available funding. At the time of publication, the discount for a dog spay is $50 off the regular fee; a cat spay $40 off; dog neuter $40 and cat neuter $20 off.
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