Spay & Neuter Program

This program helps eligible families access spay or neuter surgery for their pets at no cost. Our goal is to reduce pet overpopulation, improve animal health, and support a safer, more compassionate community.

Applicants must live within our service area, be the legal owner of the pet, and meet income-based eligibility requirements. Proof of residency, pet ownership, income, and photo ID is required if your application is approved.

The program supports one pet per approved family per year. Each month, we select one cat and one dog, based on eligibility and available funding.

We currently support cats and dogs only. Pets must be healthy enough for surgery, as determined by the partner veterinary clinic.

The EARS Spay & Neuter Assistance Program covers the full cost of a standard spay or neuter surgery, including routine post-operative pain medication prescribed by the veterinarian and all standard fees associated with the procedure itself.

Some services are not covered and remain the responsibility of the applicant (you) if requested or required, including:

• Optional vaccinations: such as rabies, distemper, or bordetella)

• Elective add-ons: microchipping, pre-surgical blood work, e-collars (cones) or medical suits

• Health complications: Additional fees arising from pregnancy, “in-heat” status, undescended testicles, or obesity

• Travel: Transportation to and from the veterinary clinic

Any optional or additional costs will be discussed directly between the applicant and the veterinary clinic prior to the procedure.

Due to limited funding, we receive more applications than we can approve each month. Eligible applications are reviewed, and selections are made based on need, available funding, and program capacity.

Applications are reviewed monthly. If you are not selected right away, your application will be kept on file for up to 6 months, and you may be contacted if a space becomes available.

If approved, you’ll be asked to submit proof of eligibility. Once verified, you’ll sign a program agreement and receive your pet’s surgery appointment details and pre-operative instructions. All contact will be email based.

Surgeries are performed at one of EARS’ partner veterinary clinics. Clinic details, appointment time, and instructions will be shared once your application is fully approved.

If you’re unable to attend your scheduled appointment, you must notify us as soon as possible.

• Cancellations Policy: If you need to reschedule, you must provide at least 48hrs notice to both the Rescue and the Clinic

• No-Show Penalty: Failure to show up without a 48hr notice will result in immediate forfeiture of your assistance. Funds will be reallocated to the next animal on our waitlist.

Missed appointments or lack of communication will result in removal from the program and may affect future eligibility.

Spaying and neutering helps prevent unwanted litters, reduces the risk of serious health issues, and improves behaviour and quality of life for pets. It’s one of the most effective ways to reduce pet homelessness and abandonment in our community.

To ensure safe, high-quality care and to manage costs responsibly, we currently assist one cat and one dog per month. As funding grows, we aim to expand.

Your pet remains the same loving companion—often calmer with fewer stress behaviours.

Please reapply next month or check back; community capacity and funding can change.

All information and documents are kept confidential and are used only to administer the Spay & Neuter Assistance Program.