DSHS launches low cost spay and neuter program for dogs and cats

The Texas Department of State Health Services launched a new sterilization program for dogs and cats, providing grant funds to 38 applicants to conduct these procedures across the state. The Texas Spay and Neuter Program received $13 million from the legislature to fund the program for two years.

The pilot program received 119 applications from around the state. Those selected must employ or subcontract a veterinarian with extensive spay and neuter experience and also be licensed by the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners for a minimum of one year prior to their application submission.

Awardees also had to demonstrate the ability to provide high volume, high quality, and low cost spay and neuter services. Reimbursement payments will be:

Dogs

$300 per spay.
$250 per neuter.

Cats

$200 per spay.
$125 per neuter.

The program is designed to maximize sterilization impacts across both urban and rural communities in Texas. Receiving funding were animal shelters and rescue entities, veterinary clinics, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations that perform sterilization procedures.

You can see a list of contractors and the areas they serve and a county map of Texas highlighted by TxSNP coverage areas.

Eligible animal populations for these low-cost sterilizations include dogs and cats owned or in the custody of Texas residents and those cared for by rescue organizations, shelters, and government entities, including animal control departments.

In addition to reducing health risks to humans, spay and neuter procedures in dogs and cats may reduce cancer and other disease risks for these animals. Research has also shown that cats and dogs that are spayed and neutered live longer on average.

You can read more about the program on the TxSNP website. DSHS also funds the Texas Animal Friendly Program, which helps communities perform low cost spay and neuter surgeries through the purchase of Animal Friendly custom Texas license plates.

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(News Media Contact: [email protected])