SafeHaven Humane Society's Low-Income Spay/ Neuter Program

"CATS COUNT”

Thank you for being concerned about your pet’s health and the cat overpopulation problem in Linn County.

INTRODUCTION
The “Cats Count” Low Income Voucher Program offers $10 spay/neutering of cats for qualifying residents of Linn County.  Owners choose where to have the procedure done from a list of participating veterinary clinics.  The voucher program is currently being funded by donations that go into a designated account to pay the veterinarians a reduced fee to perform the surgeries.  The goals are to increase the number of cats spayed/ neutered, reduce the number of unwanted cats born, and to overall reduce the number of cats and kittens euthanized in shelters each year.

WHY SPAY AND NEUTER?

• Keeps your pet healthy and helps prevent many diseases.
• Helps ensure that no more unwanted animals are born.
• Helps with many behavior problems, such as spraying marking, and roaming.

ELIGIBILITY
This program is designed for those in financial need.  Your application must be approved by a SafeHaven staff member.

To be eligible a person must be:

• 18 years of age or older
• A Linn County resident

And be a recipient or be eligible in one of the following areas:

• Low income*
• Receiving Federal or State Financial Assistance
• Senior Citizen
• Disabled

*Low Income as defined by the 2006 poverty guidelines which are :

Size of family unit:	Gross Income does not exceed:
1	$9,310
2	$12,490
3	$15,760
4	$18,850
5	$22,030
6	$25,210
7	$28,390
8	$31,570

In addition, you must:

• Have proof of your eligibility and residence
• Agree to pay $10 co-payment (cash or money order only) to SafeHaven Humane Society at the time a voucher is issued.

Each household may receive up to four vouchers a year.  Each voucher has a 90 day expiration date.  If you do not use your voucher in the 90 days; no refund will be issued. 

Cat eligibility:  at least 4 months of age and in good health.  The veterinarian has the right to refuse to spay and neuter your pet if the veterinarian determines that the cat/kitten is unmanageable, dangerous, vicious, wild or in any way not healthy or sound enough for the procedure.  If the veterinarian determines that your cat or kitten cannot be spay or neutered, with a written note from the veterinarian, your co-payment will be reimbursed to you. 

The voucher entitles the cat or kitten to receive a health examination and the spay/neuter surgery.  No other services are included.

• Note:  Most clinics will charge an extra fee for female cats in heat or pregnant.  This may be discovered during the examination process.  These fees are the customers’ responsibility.

HOW TO APPLY
Complete, sign and date the Application.  Mail or drop off the completed application to SafeHaven Humane Society at 33071 Hwy 34 or PO Box 2018; Albany, OR 97321.  If you have questions or concerns, please call us at 928-2789.  Once your application has been approved we will notify you and, a voucher will be issued with a list of participating veterinary clinics.

 

Download Application Here