Angels' low-cost spay/neuter program offers help with pet costs

GREENFORD

Financial hardship sometimes stands between pet owners and their ability to spay or neuter their four-legged companions.

Angels for Animals has a program to help.

Through Ban the Big Bellies, in its fourth year, the shelter offers low-cost spay and neuter for the pets whose owners meet low-income requirements.

Anyone who is on Social Security, disability, food stamps or Medicare — or who is a veteran or within 200 percent of the poverty line — qualifies automatically for the discounted rate of $20 for cats and $40 for dogs. Others must provide proof of financial need.

“We’re a no-birth shelter,” said Diane Less, Angels’ director and co-founder.

Getting pets fixed reduces overpopulation, resulting in fewer unwanted animals. According to the agency’s website, more than 4 million homeless pets in the U.S. — about half the number of animals entering shelters each year — are euthanized.

A sign on the shelter wall reveals the numbers: Two unfixed cats producing two litters of three cats each per year can create 80 million cats during a 10-year period.

Two dogs can produce 67,000 puppies in six years.

Read more about the program, how to apply and how to help in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.