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Financial assistance for spaying/neutering pets still available
By GARY HENRY
Staff Writer
A program started in May to help low-income families spay or neuter pets has had little use.
“We haven’t had a great response,” said Ben Jenness, Edgar County Board member.
He noted only two people have taken advantage of the financial assistance.
Jenness originally proposed the idea because the state mandates the county collect fees to pay for the service but without a local plan in place those funds must be surrendered to the state.
Anyone receiving either Social Security disability payments or food stamps is eligible to enroll.
“They pay $15 and the fund pays the rest,” said Jenness. “We are limiting it to two dogs per family that we’ll pay for.”
He urged those who financially qualify to visit the animal shelter any Wednesday to receive a voucher for the service. Pet owners may use the veterinarian of their choice and present the voucher, with a $15 co-pay, for the surgical process.
To encourage more use of the program, Jenness announced the county will also pay for rabies vaccinations if people use the spaying/neutering program for their pets. The vaccination money is available from a special state fund.
He noted in May the goal is to get as many animals as possible spayed or neutered so there are eventually fewer animals in the shelter.
“We haven’t had a great response,” said Ben Jenness, Edgar County Board member.
He noted only two people have taken advantage of the financial assistance.
Jenness originally proposed the idea because the state mandates the county collect fees to pay for the service but without a local plan in place those funds must be surrendered to the state.
Anyone receiving either Social Security disability payments or food stamps is eligible to enroll.
“They pay $15 and the fund pays the rest,” said Jenness. “We are limiting it to two dogs per family that we’ll pay for.”
He urged those who financially qualify to visit the animal shelter any Wednesday to receive a voucher for the service. Pet owners may use the veterinarian of their choice and present the voucher, with a $15 co-pay, for the surgical process.
To encourage more use of the program, Jenness announced the county will also pay for rabies vaccinations if people use the spaying/neutering program for their pets. The vaccination money is available from a special state fund.
He noted in May the goal is to get as many animals as possible spayed or neutered so there are eventually fewer animals in the shelter.
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| So long, Casper | Court News – Aug. 7 charges |
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