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SPAY / NEUTER VOUCHER PROGRAM

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

The City of Costa Mesa has created a program for Costa Mesa residents needing financial assistance with spaying and neutering their dogs and cats. Funds for the program are provided by fines from owners whose unaltered pets are impounded while running loose. Our goal is to decrease the number of unwanted cats and dogs in the city.

 

WHY SPAY AND NEUTER?

Too many pets, not enough homes!

Each year, around 10 million pets are turned in to animal shelters. Only 25 to 30 percent of these animals are reclaimed by their owners or adopted into new homes. The rest, some 4 to 6 million dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, must be euthanized because nobody wants them. As a pet owner, you have a responsibility to help end this terrible problem. Altered pets are healthier because the urge to search out mates is eliminated. Altered pets are less likely to roam from home and be injured in fights or killed in traffic. In fact, altered pets have twice the average life expectancy of unaltered pets, partly due to a lower chance of suffering from mammary, uterine, prostate and testicular cancers.  Another benefit to spaying and neutering is discounted dog license fees.

 

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible, applicant must be at least 18 years old and reside in Costa Mesa. Applicant must show proof of income below $35,000 / year OR provide proof of current assistance from one of the following programs: 

 

•  Food Stamp program                                                         
•  Medi-cal, Medi-Care or Medi-caid programs      
•  Women, Infants and Children program (WIC)                       
•  Supplemental Security Income program (SSI)   
•  Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI)
•  Other government-subsidized financial assistance programs

 

Please do not send original documents that need to be returned.  Photocopies must be legible.

 

PROGRAM GUIDE

• Program is subject to funding. If no funding is available, no vouchers can be issued. Because vouchers are issued on a first-come / first-served basis, we cannot issue rain checks.

• This program is not intended for feral cats (untamed stray alley cats). Ultimately, increasing the number of altered and owned cats will help prevent unwanted kittens that are vulnerable to abandonment and becoming feral. 

• Dogs and cats (except ferals) between 4 months and 5 years of age are eligible for this program.

• There is a limit of 2 vouchers per household per year. Vouchers are void after 60 days. Lost, stolen or expired vouchers will not be replaced.  Vouchers are non-transferrable and cannot be redeemed for cash. 

• All dogs at the residence must be in compliance with Costa Mesa dog licensing laws.

• Pregnant cats can usually be spayed. The veterinarian will determine if it is safe for the animal’s health. 

• The voucher must be presented to the receptionist at the time your pet is checked in for surgery and is only valid for the pet and owner listed on it. 

• Dogs must be currently vaccinated for Distemper/Parvo/Corona (DHPPC), Bordetella (Kennel Cough), and Rabies.  Cats must be current on Distemper (FVRCP), Leukemia (FELV), and Rabies.   

• If you cannot submit proof of vaccinations to hospital staff at the time your pet is brought in for surgery, they will be administered and you will be responsible for that cost. 

  

If you are interested in applying for a voucher, you may download an application here. Applications can be faxed to 714-754-4861 or mailed to:

 

Costa Mesa Animal Control

Spay/Neuter Voucher Program

P.O. Box 1200

Costa Mesa, CA  92628

 

Processing time for applications is approximately 1-2 weeks.