Grant Allows Some to Neuter Pets for Free

WACO – Low-income families can have their pets spayed or neutered for free, thanks to a grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Animal Birth Control Clinic in Waco, Texas.

The Animal Birth Control (ABC) Clinic is using the $20,400 in grant money to help low-income families in a six county area get their pets sterilized and reduce the number of unwanted pet litters that end up in animal shelters.

According to Carrie Kuehl, Executive Director of ABC, spaying and neutering has many benefits. Pets that are sterilized usually live longer, healthier lives and are less likely to roam. She added that sterilization can reduce territorial behaviors like spraying and aggression towards people or other animals.

Ms. Kuehl emphasizes that one of the best benefits, however, is reducing the numbers of unwanted puppies and kittens that have to be euthanized each year. Last year the Waco Humane Society received nearly 12,000 animals. Less than 2,600 were reclaimed or adopted. There just are not enough adoptive homes for them all and many aren’t identified through tags or microchips to be returned to their homes.

Central Texans that qualify for a federal or state assistance program can call the ABC Clinic for an appointment to have their animal spayed or neutered for free. Proof of program enrollment is required. Rabies vaccinations and heartworm tests for dogs are not covered by the grant.

The mission of the Animal Birth Control Clinic is to provide affordable spay and neuter surgeries and wellness services; and to promote responsible, lifetime ownership and save lives.

This grant program runs through August 31, 2009, or until funding runs out. For more information, contact the Animal Birth Control Clinic at 254-776-7303, visit them at 1531 Wooded Acres in Waco, or log onto www.animalbirthcontrol.org .