Town Lake Animal Center: Spay and Neuter Program

The animal center offers a low-cost program to curb pet population. Two dogs named Pierre and Marseille will have a new outlook on life when they wake up from a nap at the Riverside Veterinary Clinic this afternoon.

The Lhasa apsos, owned by Stephanie Watts of Austin, are being neutered for just eight dollars each under the City's new low-cost spay and neuter program, which makes sterilizing pets more affordable to low-income residents.

The program, which also includes rabies vaccines and pet registration, is a cooperative effort with local veterinarians who have volunteered to participate. The service is offered to pet owners who qualify for public assistance such as Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), Food Stamps, the City's Medical Assistance Program (MAP), Social Security and other programs. Residents who can't afford to pay the requested amounts are asked to pay what they can.

The main purpose of the program is to lower Austin's pet population by making the sterilization of pets more accessible to low-income residents. Other benefits of this program include lowering the risk of animals' contracting some forms of cancer, protection against rabies, and pet identification.

Watts said she's been wanting to have her 12-pound, three-year-old dogs neutered but hasn't had enough money to do it. "Every time a female dog is in heat, they go crazy," she said, adding, "I know it's better to have them neutered, so they won't breed."

Vouchers for the program are distributed at City of Austin Neighborhood Centers where interested pet owners are asked to show proof of eligibility. Qualifying customers are provided a voucher and a list of participating veterinary clinics. Veterinarians who perform the surgeries collect payment from customers as well as a reimbursement from City funds.

For more information:
Carol Munroe, Town Lake Animal Center Manager, 512-972-4738.