Assistance Offered to Low Income Pet Owners

From Hillsborough County Government Online:

In observance of February as Spay and Neuter Month and the current leap year, Hillsborough County Animal Services encourages residents to take the “leap" and get their pets sterilized in 2012. To help citizens avoid the pitfalls of procrastination, Animal Services is offering special resources to assist the needy in obtaining Hillsborough County Spay and Neuter Vouchers.

Spaying and neutering of dogs and cats not only curbs overpopulation, it promotes public safety, reduces negative behaviors, and increases pet health and longevity. Contrary to myth, it is not necessary or medically advisable for any pet to breed - not even once. Most pets can get "fixed" within their first few months, and Animal Services sterilizes all adoptables before final placement.

During February, Animal Services will host Four-Hour Fridays to better assist qualifying residents seeking the County's low-cost Spay and Neuter Voucher Program for their pets. From noon to 4 p.m. each Friday this month, shelter staff will be available to process and approve voucher applications in person at the shelter, 440 N. Falkenburg Road. Residents need only bring a valid driver's license or photo ID, proof of household income, or documentation of public assistance benefits from the following list of programs: Medicaid, Food Stamps, Hillsborough Healthcare Plan, Supplemental Security Income, WIC (Woman, Infants & Children), Section 8 Housing, and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families).

While County veterinarians do not sterilize owned animals, pet owners with approved Hillsborough County Spay and Neuter Vouchers have 30 days to redeem them from a list of 18 veterinary providers in the community. A required $10 co-pay also includes current rabies vaccination and pet registration ID tag for compliance with the law and responsible pet ownership.

The Hillsborough County Spay and Neuter Voucher is available online in both English and Spanish.

The shelter on Falkenburg Road is located on the HART bus line for citizens using public transportation.

Hillsborough County Animal Services is the largest open-admission, municipal shelter in Central Florida. Since 2005, the agency has seen a 40 percent decrease in the number of animals impounded along with a 52 percent decrease in humane euthanasia. Alongside enforcement and outreach, Animal Services credits spaying and neutering as a key component in the Department's three-pronged approach to reducing the number of unwanted pets arriving each year.

For more information on spaying and neutering pets, animal welfare, or to report animal neglect and cruelty, contact Hillsborough County Animal Services at (813) 744-5660 or log onto www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices.