Safe Paws heavily promotes the spaying and neutering of animals to help control the pet overpopulation and animal homeless crisis. Female kittens and puppies can enter their first heat cycle and become pregnant between four and six months old, which means it’s imperative for everyone to do their part as early as possible.
We know this critically important procedure can be expensive and is simply out of reach for many in today’s climate. To help alleviate some of the financial burden and keep pets away from the streets, out of shelters, and off of death row, we are offering vouchers that can be redeemed at participating clinics. Upon approval, you’ll be mailed a physical voucher that can be used at any of our participating partner clinics.
Dog vouchers can be redeemed for $75 towards a spay or neuter and cat vouchers can be redeemed for $50 towards a spay or neuter.
To participate in this program, read the SNAP Guidelines and fill out an application. Once your application is processed, we will reach out via email or phone. After approval, your voucher will be sent to you within 7-10 business days of approval.
Vouchers are single use, may not be copied or transferred, and have no cash value. A physical copy of the voucher must be presented at the time of service, otherwise payment in full will be required by the clinic. Do not call to schedule an appointment until you have your physical voucher in your hand.
Cat vouchers: $50
Dog vouchers: $75
Your donations enable us to offer spay/neuter vouchers to members of our community, which helps animals live longer, healthier lives and helps combat the pet overpopulation and the amount unwanted animals in shelters on death row.
Donations can be made by debit/credit card, PayPal, and Venmo.
Currently, the vouchers provided by Safe Paws for the Spay and Neuter Assistance Program are designed to serve pet families in need of support across Iowa. SNAP does not provide assistance to breeders, shelters, or TNR.
NOTE: Your pet must be current on rabies and proof is required before receiving a voucher. If your pet is not up to date on vaccines, one will be given before the spay or neuter at the pet owner’s expense.
- Dogs must be at least 12 weeks old
- Cats must be at least 3 pounds
- Must be current on the distemper and rabies vaccine
- Must live in Iowa
Limit is 2 pets per household.
Animals that are sick or have other ailments at the time of surgery will be denied.
Medical benefits:
- Your female pet will live a longer, healthier life. Spaying prevents uterine infections and decreases the incidence of breast tumors, which are malignant or cancerous in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases.
- Neutering your male companion prevents testicular cancer and some prostate problems.
Behavioral benefits:
- Your spayed female pet won’t go into heat. While cycles can vary, female felines usually go into heat four to five days every three weeks during breeding season. In an effort to advertise for mates, they’ll yowl and urinate more frequently—sometimes all over the house!
- Your male dog will be less likely to roam away from home. An intact male will do just about anything to find a mate, including finding creative ways escape from the house. Once he’s free to roam, he risks injury in traffic and fights with other animals.
- Your neutered male may be better behaved. Unneutered dogs and cats are more likely to mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine all over the house. Your dog might be less likely to mount other dogs, people and inanimate objects after he’s neutered. Some aggression problems may be avoided by early neutering.
Spaying/neutering your pets is also highly cost-effective. The cost of your pet’s spay/neuter surgery is far less than the cost of having and caring for a litter.
You can find more information about spaying and neutering your pet from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)