NE GA Animal Shelter Offering Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Certs to Low-Income Pet Owners

Summertime for animal shelter workers means it’s kitten season and that means area shelters are overrun with unwanted litters of kittens in addition to their normal intake of puppies, dogs and cats.

That’s one reason why the staff at the Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter in Lavonia is offering low-cost spay/neuter certificates to low-income cat and dog owners in Franklin and Hart Counties.

Shelter Manager Sheri Lockhart said many people on a low or fixed income would like to have their pets fixed to prevent unwanted litters, but they cannot afford it.

“We’re offering a low-cost spay/neuter clinic for low-income households,” Lockhart said. “Kittens are overhwhelming right now. We’ve probably taken in close to 100 litters so far this year. Just spaying one mama cat or dog will prevent this vicious cycle of unwanted litters.”

Lockhart said the shelter received a $5,000 grant from Hart EMC and part of that money will be used for the spay/neuter certificates.

“If anyone is interested, we’re asking them to come to the shelter, fill out the application and pay $25, and we will give them the certificate,” she said.

There are however, income requirements. They are $1,200 for one person in the household, $1,500 for two people, and $1,800 for three people plus $300 for each additional person in the household.

However, Lockhart said if you are near or just over those income requirements don’t think you are not eligible. Lockhart said just come and speak with her about your situation and the shelter may be able to help.

This is not the first time the shelter has offered low-cost spay/neuter certificates.

Several years ago the shelter held a similar program and Lockhart said the response from the community was positive.

“We’ve done this in years past because we want to see an increase in the spays and neuters,” Lockhart said. “It really breaks my heart to go on Facebook to see all of the puppies and kittens being given away that we know will never be spayed or neutered. It’s just a vicious cycle. They go out and have litter after litter and many of those are brought to our shelter.”

And while the Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter has an 80% adoption/rescue rate, many healthy adult dogs and cats have to be put to sleep to make way for litters of unwanted kittens and puppies.

Only 50 certificates are available for this round and the deadline to apply is August 15th.

To get more information, stop by the Northeast Georgia Animal Shelter on Bear Creek Road in Lavonia between 11a – 4p Tuesday thru Saturday or call: 706-356-5363.