Aug 12, 2003 By Amy Karpinsky 3 min read

As an attempt to make a dent in the vast overpopulation of animals in Fayette County, a local humane society is offering a low cost spay and neuter clinic for low income pet owners. The clinic will operate two days a month through the efforts of Noah’s Ark of Fayette County.

Noah’s Ark founder Robin Moore has dubbed the effort “The Big Fix.” She said the program is intended to encourage people who are unable to pay the full amount for surgeries to have their pets fixed, thus lowering the number of animals that must be euthanized every year.

“You can now be part of the solution and spay and neuter your pets. There are no more excuses,” Moore said.

Moore said that statistics will be tracked annually to see if the program makes an impact. Male and female cats and dogs are eligible for the program. Moore said Noah’s Ark is also offering free neutering on pit bulls.

Every year throughout the United States, 15 million pets are sent to animal shelters and only 25 to 30 percent are reclaimed by their owners or adopted. Those remaining, about 11 million pets, are put to sleep, Moore said.

“You may find homes for all your pet’s litter. But then again you may not. And those kittens or puppies may end up in the shelter as another statistic. Please don’t let your pet bring more unwanted animals into the world,” Moore said.

In addition to lowering the number of unwanted animals, Moore said a number of benefits exist from the spay and neuter procedures including:

– A reduced risk for breast, uterine and ovarian cancer or infection in female cats and dogs.

– A reduced risk for testicular and prostate cancer in male cats and dogs.

– No unwanted pregnancies.

– A reduction in the incidence of aggressive behavior in male cats and dogs.

– A reduction in the desire to roam, breed, mark territory, fight with other animals for male cats and dogs.

– A reduction in the desire to roam and breed for female cats and dogs.

– Helping to alleviate the dog and cat overpopulation problem in the county.

The reduced cost depends on the sex and type of animal, with females costing more than males, and dogs costing more than cats. Moore didn’t provide a cost for the procedure, but said it will be a 75 percent reduction in the normal cost to fix a pet.

To qualify for the program, residents must make no more than a maximum of $18,000 annual income for a single or couple household or a maximum of $30,000 yearly income for families with children.

Applicants must be legal residents of the county and must have a current dog license if the animal is a canine. The animals must belong to the person who is having them altered and all animals must be in good health. Also, anyone receiving assistance from the following programs is eligible: Medicaid, Section 8 housing, WIC, SSI, food stamps or unemployment compensation.

Some form of state or federally issued photo identification is required as well as proof of receiving one of the above listed programs is necessary and/or meeting the income guidelines.

Applications are available at Noah’s Ark, which will handle payment for the procedures. A local vet will perform the operations.

For an application, appointment or information on The Big Fix, call 724-439-8620.