SPAY/NEUTER SURGERY ASSISTANCE
There is no single solution to the problem of stray and homeless animals in Bell County KY, but any solution must include the spay or neuter of as many animals as possible. To help make that happen, Friends of the Shelter offers a spay/neuter assistance program for low income county residents. SNAP (spay/neuter assistance program) is for low income pet owners who need some help in getting spay/neuter surgery for their pets. Applications for the program are taken by FOS volunteers at the Bell County Animal Shelter on the first working day of each month at 9:00 am. Pet owners must show proof of Bell County, KY residency and must have an income of under $25,000.00 per year for a family of four, or be receiving some kind of government assistance to be eligible. Owners are asked to pay something toward their pet's surgery if possible, making it possible for more surgeries to be done. Only 25 applications are taken each month, on a first come first serve basis. Additionally, all pets who need vaccinations will be given those during the surgery visit. Four area vets have agreed to offer the surgeries for FOS at a discounted price: Bell County Animal Clinic, Harrogate Hospital for Animals, Russell Veterinary Services, and Harlan Animal Hospital. For our Fiscal year 2019/2020, spay/neuter surgeries have been funded by the Bell County Fiscal Court, Middlesboro City Government, local fundraisers, and donations to FOS. Together we can reduce the number of unwanted pet pregnancies.
