Angels for Animals to offer discounted spay/neuter program
CANFIELD
Through February, Angels for Animals will offer a program aimed at helping both animals and the people who care for them.
Beginning the first of the month, Angels will kick off its annual “Ban the Big Bellies” initiative, which allows low-income families and individuals to purchase low-cost vouchers to spay or neuter their pets. As with many of the organization’s programs, Ban the Big Bellies aims to reduce overpopulation.
“We see the outcomes of the overpopulation of animals from the shelter aspect,” said Angels medical manager Kristin Munholand, adding that spaying and neutering also is healthier for animals.
Angels spays and neuters approximately 10,000 animals per year. The organization expects to fix several hundred animals through this program alone, with about 200 animals already scheduled for procedures as of this week.
To participate in the spay/neuter program, individuals must purchase vouchers in advance at the Angels shelter, located at 4750 W. South Range Road in Beaver Township.
The shelter office is open from 12 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; from 12 to 7:30 p.m. Friday; and from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
Voucher sales are limited to three per person. The cost is $20 for cats and $40 for dogs.
Individuals automatically qualify for the program if they receive Social Security, disability, food stamps or Medicare assistance. Also automatically eligible are veterans and anyone who is within 200 percent of the poverty line.
Vouchers will be available until the end of February, or until funding runs out. Angels still had vouchers for sale as of this week.
Ban the Big Bellies requires that appointments take place between Feb. 1 and Feb. 28.
For information, call the shelter at 330-549-1111.