SVAPL’s Subsidized Spay Neuter Program Guidelines
SVAPL recognizes the ongoing issue of numerous unwanted cats and dogs. This issue arises from the unspayed and unneutered cats and dogs living in our community and the Valley. SVAPL also recognizes it is equally important to vaccinate pets to minimize the spread of disease to maintain a healthy community. Financial assistance is offered to assist low-income pet owners who could not otherwise afford to have their pets spayed or neutered and vaccinated.
Eligibility
Any person who is a resident of the Swan River Valley (including RM Mountain, RM Minitonas-Bowsman, and Municipality of Swan Valley West) and whose total household income is at or below $40,000.00 annually, may apply to the Subsidized Spay Neuter Program. The applicant must be at least 18 years of age or older.
Each income earner on the application must provide a copy of their most recent Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency. Proof of address, such as a utility bill, will also be required. Other “special circumstances” may be considered as reviewed/approved by SVAPL, such as a letter of reference from your veterinarian and/or documentation of your circumstances.
Additional Eligibility
SVAPL recognizes that pet owners who do not fall under these guidelines should have an opportunity to receive discounted surgery. These opportunities are based on program funding and when available will be offered through a draw system or through spay/neuter events in partnership with the local veterinary clinics. Such events will be announced via Facebook, SVAPL’s website or other media.
How are the successful applicants chosen?
Qualifying applicants are chosen on a first come first serve basis. Be sure to apply as quickly as possible as funding is limited.
What is the fee per pet and who pays the rest?
The fee varies depending on the cat or dog and if your pet is signed up for spay or neuter. Fees are discounted thanks to support received through the Swan Valley Veterinary Clinic and funds raised for the Spay Neuter Program. Should any additional costs be incurred at the time of the procedure, the applicant is responsible (for example, if a cat has ear mites and requires treatment, that is to be paid in full by the applicant NOT SVAPL).
- Cat spay $75.00
- Cat neuter $45.00
- Dog spay $130.00
- Dog neuter $120.00
- Vaccines $25.00 (optional but recommended)
What limitations are there?
- The Spay Neuter Program will subsidize a pet neuter or spay provided they meet the following criteria: pets must be a minimum of 6 months and younger than 3 years. Cats need to be, at a minimum, close to 2kg. Special considerations may be made for older animals but extra fees to the applicant will apply. Contact SVAPL for more details (breed should be known, approximate age and weight).
- Discounted vaccines are a one-time reduced vaccination fee with surgery.
- All surgeries are to be completed at the Swan Valley Veterinary Clinic.
- Applicants are limited to one subsidized cat spay/neuter and one subsidized dog spay/neuter per year.
- Please note the Subsidized Spay Neuter Program is limited to cats and dogs only.
What is the process required under this program?
- Complete application:
- online and upload/attach all supporting documents (See the link below, please enter your name and email address when prompted so we know who you are when you apply).
- print the application form and submit it by mail to the following address: SVAPL Box 2735 Swan River MB R0L 1Z0
- Application must include the following supporting documents:
- Evidence of income level—a copy of your most recent Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency for each income earner on the application.
- Evidence of being a Valley resident. A copy of a utility bill issued within the last month or land tax bill.
- Notification of approval/rejection will be made by mail or email within approximately two weeks of receipt of the application. Contact by telephone may also be made in addition to the mail notification.
- Approved applicants will receive a Surgery Agreement Form which will need to be filled out and returned to SVAPL along with payment. (submit via mail or email)
- A SVAPL representative will contact the approved applicant to schedule the surgery & vaccination (if applicable) with the Swan Valley Veterinary Clinic
- The applicant is responsible for having animals at the clinic by 8:30 am for drop off and picked up after 3pm or prior to 5pm on scheduled appointments. Fees are non-refundable for missed appointments or cancellations within less than 48 hours notice.
- A waiver provided by the Swan Valley Veterinary Clinic will be filled out by the applicant on the day of surgery.
- After the surgery, the SVAPL Spay Neuter Program is responsible for submitting payment to the clinic.
If approved, what are the applicant’s responsibilities?
- Must complete surgery agreement and submit agreement and payment within 30 days of the date noted on the approval letter. Payment can be made by e-transfer to , or via certified cheques or money orders made payable to Swan Valley Animal Protection League. All fees from approved applicants must be paid before an appointment will be booked.
- Keeping and being on time for veterinary clinic appointments.
- Transporting the animal to and from the clinic for scheduled appointments.
- Contacting the clinic and SVAPL representative 48 hours prior to an appointment if you must cancel or change the appointment.
- Following pre-operative and post-operative surgery instructions as provided by the veterinary clinic.
Note: Surgery Agreement Forms are not transferable to another owner or pet.