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January 28, 2008

Help offered for low-income families to spay/neuter pets

Sommer Woodward

The attention given to euthanized pets recently from a news story prompted Dr. Linda Garrett to remind people about a low-income spay/neuter program for animals.

“I thought it might be a good time to remind people about this program,” she said. “It has helped a lot of people.”

Garrett said the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) offers a program to help low-income families to spay and neuter their pets. The program has been around for almost two years.

If the family meets the low-income requirements, their cat or dog can be spayed or neutered for $10. A rabies vaccine can also be requested for $5 through the program.

The goal of the program is to help cut back on the number of unwanted litters, helping decrease the number of animals euthanized each year.

Garrett said an estimated 100,000 strays are euthanized each year in Oklahoma.

“It (the low-income program) is an effective way of trying to reduce those numbers,” said Garrett. “This is a great program.”

Garrett, who is a veterinarian with Green Country Animal Hospital in Chouteau, said not all veterinarians participate in the program. Green Country Animal Hospital offers the program.

Anyone interested should contact their local veterinarian to see if they are eligible for the program.

Income status must be verified to participate. Garrett said a Medicaid card, social security award letter or electronic balance transfer card may be used to verify the family’s low-income status.

Anyone wanting to donate to help the OVMA offer the program is welcome. Garrett said Oklahoma residents can also purchase an animal friendly license plate. A portion of the license plate fee goes to the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association.

For more information, contact Garrett at 476-8371.

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