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 Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County 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

Proof of residency in Montgomery County and evidence that the household qualifies as low-income under the current Maryland guidelines is required.

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

Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County 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.

Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County 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.

Other service charges due on the day of surgery that must be paid by the pet owner/certificate holder may include but are not limited to vaccinations, laboratory tests, medications, additional physical examinations, other treatments or boarding. The certificate holder is 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 suggest you ask the Veterinary Practice in advance for an estimate of the fees for additional services you will be expected to pay on the day of surgery.

• Pet owners must schedule appointments with the participating veterinary practice listed on the Certificate.
• Owners must transport the pet to and from the veterinary appointment in a cat carrier or on a dog leash.
• Owners must use the Certificate at the assigned participating veterinarian within 60 days of issuance.
• Your pet may be rejected or rescheduled by the veterinarian if they deem the surgery should not be performed due to health concerns for the pet.
• A valid rabies certificate must be presented to the assigned participating veterinarian, or a rabies vaccination will be given for a nominal charge, which must be paid by the Certificate holder at the time the cat or dog is picked up.