Spay/Neuter Program to Continue in Hillsborough County

The Hillsborough County Spay/Neuter Voucher Program for pet owners on income assistance has resumed, according to a press release from Hillsborough County. 

Hillsborough County Animal Services temporarily stopped issuing new vouchers to assess available funding a few weeks ago.  

Under the program, residents of Hillsborough County who meet qualifying guidelines may obtain sterilization surgery for their owned pets from dozens of participating clinics and veterinarians. 

Residents must supply an approved voucher and $10 co-payment for service which includes a rabies vaccination and pet registration tag.  Application forms, program guidelines, suggested documentation needed for application approval, and a list of participating veterinary clinics are all listed on the county Website.  

The voucher applications (in English and Spanish) are also available at Hillsborough County Animal Services (440 N. Falkenburg Road, Tampa).

Pet owners and participating veterinarians should note an important new difference in the expiration policy for the Hillsborough County Spay/Neuter Program: citizens must now redeem vouchers for their pet's surgery within 30 days of issuance. 

Pet owners are encouraged to contact any and all participating veterinary clinics as necessary to schedule appointments within the 30-day window.

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners approved the low-cost spay/neuter voucher program in 2002 to be funded through sales of pet registration tags. Thanks to outreach by the Department of Animal Services and an array of committed community partners, this program soared to unprecedented success in a few short years.  

A national spay/neuter expert was recently commissioned to assess Hillsborough County's spay/neuter voucher program and declared it one of the most progressive and successful in the nation.

Targeted to economically challenged residents, the Hillsborough County Spay/Neuter Voucher Program is integral to the core missions for animal welfare and public safety while promoting responsible pet ownership. 

In addition to reducing pet overpopulation and the spread of disease, spaying and neutering reduces unwanted pet behaviors (including aggression), dog bites, and the incidence of certain cancers in animals.  

For more information on the benefits of spaying/neutering pets or the voucher program, contact Hillsborough County Animal Services at 813.744.5660 or online at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices.