Last week Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed a proclamation declaring February as Spay/Neuter Awareness Month. According to the proclamation, animal shelters and releasing agencies in the Commonwealth of Virginia take in approximately 220,000 homeless and unwanted cats and dogs every year.
The proclamation also states that spaying and neutering reduces the burden placed on public and private animal shelters and other animal protection and welfare services.
To celebrate the proclamation, the Danville Area Humane Society announced some changes to their spay/neuter program for February.
1. The spay/neuter rebate amount will increase to up to $150. Current guidelines will be in place; an explanation of those guidelines is below.
2. They will continue our program of paying for the full cost of spaying/neutering, as well as a rabies shot, for cats kept strictly outside on their owner’s personal property.
3. Most shelters are overrun with pit bull type dogs. The Danville Area Humane Society is also experiencing a marked increase in the number of Great Pyrenees, Huskies, and German shepherds being received. These breeds, while wonderful, are difficult to place for a variety of reasons. Therefore, during February, they will pay up to $250 for these breeds to be spayed/neutered. A certificate must be obtained at least the day before the surgery. If the surgery is scheduled for later than February, a certificate must be obtained in February.
1.The certificate must be obtained at least the day before the animal is taken to the veterinary clinic for the surgery. The certificate cannot be combined with any other DAHS program, including DAHS grant money paid to veterinary clinics.
2.The animal must belong to a resident of Danville/Pittsylvania County and must reside with the owner in Danville/Pittsylvania County.
3.The rebate cannot be used for the sterilizing any stray animal.
4.The certificate may not be used for any animal adopted from another shelter or rescue group or for an animal that is going to be released to another shelter or rescue group.
5.If the cat is feral, there must be an owner who is prepared to provide food, water, veterinary treatment, and shelter for the cat for its lifetime. The cat may not be released on to any public property, but must live on the property of the person trapping and releasing the cat.
6.The certificate must be used and redeemed no more than four months after the date on the certificate.
7.No more than four certificates may be obtained by the same household during a 12 month period. Additional certificates may be obtained with written permission.
*If the surgery costs less than the advertised rebate amount, the rebate amount will be the cost of the surgery, not including the cost of shots, flea treatment, etc.