HSPC launches spay-neuter assistance program

BY JAMIE BARRAND

Editor

Limited-income households with pets can now take advantage of a reduced-cost Spay-Neuter Assistance Program offered through the Humane Society of Putnam County.

"Our goal is to alter 200 animals through this program by the end of 2008," said HSPC volunteer Lynn Bohmer. "Reaching this goal could potentially reduce the number of unwanted Putnam County dogs and cats by 700 in 2009 alone."

The program was funded by a grant received from the Putnam County Prosecutor's Forfeiture Fund earlier this year.

Those approved for assistance will be able to have their pets spayed or neutered for $10 each, payable to HSPC with completed application (additional charges will be assessed for pets without proof of current vaccinations). Approved households may have up to four pets altered through the program.

Surgeries will be performed at S.P.O.T. in Cloverdale or spay-neuter clinics in the Indianapolis area. Procedures will be scheduled after the approval of applications.

HSPC volunteers or personnel will transport pets from the Putnam County shelter to clinics once a month. Other times will be available for pet owners who wish to take their own pets to have surgeries done.

To be approved, applicants must meet gross annual income guidelines. Other considerations for approval include if pet owners are receiving public assistance, household members are unemployed, household is experiencing other critical expenses (such as medical bills or students loans) and if pet owners are full-time students.

All information on the application will be kept confidential; however, HSPC reserves the right to verify all information.

Applicants will be notified of approval or declination within two weeks of receipt of applications.

Applications for the program are available at the Humane Society, S.P.O.T., Putnam County Public Library, Greencastle Senior Center, Greencastle South Park Offices and the Bainbridge Community Center.

Any questions about the program can be directed to the shelter at 653-5739 or Bohmer at 653-9251.