(Veterinary Spay/Neuter Programs)

Purpose:
Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society program designed
• To increase public awareness of the value of spaying or neutering dogs and cats.
• To offer financial assistance for this surgery to low-income community residents.

Participants:
Click for a complete list of NFVS member hospitals that have agreed to set aside time and accept reduced fees for sterilization services for low income residents.

Clients:
Pet owners with demonstrated need for financial assistance to spay/neuter a dog or cat. Need is determined via Social Services benefits card. For seniors a Medicaid card may be used.

Procedure:
For clients: Clients call hospital directly or are referred through area animal shelter organizations. Owners then schedule an appointment for surgery at the most convenient participating hospital. They must bring their Social Services card with them to the appointment to verify need. Payment is expected at the time of service with cash or credit card. Hospital may elect to limit number of surgeries to one per client.

For hospitals: Participating hospitals set aside appointments and surgical times to be used for VetSNIP procedures. Hospital mails a checklist to the owner outlining hospital policies, available services and appointment time. Checklist contains a reminder to the owner to bring Social Services benefits card that qualifies the owner for VetSNIP participation. Pre-surgical appointment is used to review patient history, perform a thorough physical exam, review the surgical procedure with the owner, and make recommendations concern the pet's long term health. Rabies and "distemper" vaccinations are given if appropriate and are included in this reduced cost program. Pet is spayed or neutered that day with discharge plans according to that hospital's protocols.