Spay/Neuter Program

Save Lives

Nationally 1.5 million pets are euthanized each year. In Maryland, that number is 45,000. These animals lost their lives simply because they did not have a home.

The AWLMC is a No-Kill shelter but many shelters are not. Overall a pet will only have a 50% chance of survival in the shelter system. While the number of animals being euthanized is tragic, that number has decreased over the years due to pet owners being responsible and having their pets spayed or neutered. Save a life by preventing homeless pets, spay or neuter your pets!

Reduce Behavior Issues 

Unaltered male cats and dogs are more likely to roam outside, be aggressive, or exhibit spraying or marking behavior.

Unaltered female cats and dogs will go into heat, resulting in unpleasant behavior such as loud yowling and can attract males from miles away.

Reduce Health Risks 

Spayed female cats and dogs have a reduced risk of developing mammary tumors, pyometra (a fatal uterine infection), uterine cancer, and other cancers of the reproductive system.

Neutering male pets eliminates their chances of getting testicular cancer, prevents enlargement of the prostate gland, and lowers the risk of prostate cancer.

This “Special Spay/Neuter Program” is for cat and dog owners who meet low-income eligibility thresholds and reside in Montgomery County, MD.

Applicants must submit proof that they reside in Montgomery County and evidence that the household qualifies as low-income under the current Maryland guidelines.

This program is only available to cat and dog owners. Certificates must be used by the pets’ owners.

AWLMC is working with several local veterinary practices who will perform the surgical procedure for a discounted fee to AWLMC. Eligible applicants for the “Special Spay/Neuter Program” will receive a Certificate naming a specific veterinary practice. The surgery can only be performed by the veterinary practice named on the Certificate.

Some veterinarians may require additional fees. Please see “Additional Fees” in the pricing section below.

Please complete the application form below and you will receive a confirmation page following the completion of your application form. We will review your application and, if you are eligible, you will receive a Certificate and instructions in the mail or via email.

We are an all-volunteer Organization and we will do our best to get the Certificate to you as soon as possible.

Please read the instructions carefully and contact the veterinarian listed on your Certificate to schedule the procedure. You must give the Certificate to the Veterinary Practice on the day of the surgery.

AWLMC will only pay for the spay/neuter surgery. Services included in the fee for surgery include a preoperative exam, anesthesia and pain medication during the surgery, the sterilization procedure, and stitch removal after the surgery, if needed.

You are responsible for paying all other service charges due on the day of surgery. These charges may include but are not limited to vaccinations, laboratory tests, medications, additional physical examinations, other treatments or boarding. You are also responsible for all additional charges that result from complications such as pregnancy, obesity or other medical conditions, or if the pet weighs over 60 lbs.

We strongly advise that you ask the Veterinary Practice in advance for a written estimate of the fees for additional services you will be expected to pay on the day of surgery.

• You must schedule appointments with the veterinary practice listed on the Certificate. AWLMC does not schedule appointments or provide any veterinary services.
• You must transport the pet to and from the veterinary appointment in a cat carrier or on a dog leash.
• You must use the Certificate at the assigned veterinarian within 60 days of issuance. If your appointment is scheduled after the certificate expires, you may email us to request an extension.
• Your pet may be rejected or rescheduled by the veterinarian if they determine that the surgery should not be performed due to health concerns for the pet.
• You must present a valid rabies certificate to the assigned veterinarian. If your pet is not current on their rabies vaccination, the Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center also offers free rabies clinics. If this is not completed prior to your pet's spay/neuter surgery, a rabies vaccination will be given at the time of that appointment. You will be required to pay this charge at the time the cat or dog is picked up.