As most pet owners already know, spaying or neutering pets before they reproduce is an effective way to control pet population growth. Spayed or neutered pets tend to live a longer, happier, and healthier life with a reduced risk of many forms of cancer, and many experts believe altered pets are less likely to roam, fight, or bite.
The County of San Diego Department of Animal Services has implemented two initiatives to help make spay/neuter surgery more affordable. First, the Department negotiated an agreement with 31 local veterinary clinics to perform spay/neuter surgeries at or below their standard fees, in return for direct referrals and listing on the Department’s website (www.sddac.com).
Under this program, called the Veterinarian Subsidized Spay/ Neuter Referral Program, the cost of the surgery is $50 to $60 per cat and $75 to $125 per dog, depending on the gender and weight of the pet.
Spay or neuter surgeries are performed by appointment only. When you call one of the facilities listed, please let them know immediately that you were referred by the Department of Animal Services, Spay/Neuter Program.
But wait … there’s more! Pet owners can realize even greater savings by taking advantage of the Department’s second spay/ neuter initiative, i.e., the spay/neuter rebate coupon program. The Department is offering free spay/neuter rebate coupons valued at up to $50 to owners of female cats, dogs, rabbits and up to $25 to owners of male cats, dogs and rabbits who reside in one of the Department service areas (the unincorporated areas of San Diego County) and the cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, San Diego, Santee, and Solana Beach). The rebate coupons are available from the three County shelters, Pet Assistance (619-544- 1222) and the Spay Neuter Action Project (SNAP) (619-525-3047) for a limited period of time while supplies last. Due to the limited number of coupons, they are only for privately owned pets and are not available to rescue groups.
These coupons are intended to cover a substantial portion of the cost involved, and encourage a greater number of owners to have their pets spayed or neutered.
Spay/neuter coupons may be rebated in one of two ways. The veterinarian may accept your coupon and reduce the cost for the surgery by the amount of the coupon or, if you pay the full surgery cost, the County will reimburse you for the value of the coupon.
Once you’ve obtained a coupon, make an appointment for surgery with the veterinarian of your choice. The coupon is good for only thirty days from the date issued. When you make the appointment, inform the veterinarian that you have a County spay/neuter coupon and establish your method of payment at that time. If your veterinarian does not accept the coupon as partial payment, mail your coupon and veterinarian certification of spaying or neutering to the Department within thirty days after the surgery, and a rebate check will be issued.
By taking advantage of both of these programs, the final cost of the surgery to pet owners is only $10 to $25 per cat and $50 to $75 per dog, depending on the gender and weight of the pet.
Article by John Humphrey, Analyst, County of San Diego Department of Animal Services