SNAP: Spay-Neuter Assistance Program

Regular SNAP Registration: February 7, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. or by Appointment

[Scroll down for information on the SNAP Mobile Clinic.]

Spay/neuter vouchers cost $50 for female dogs, $40 for male dogs, $35 for female cats and $25 for male cats for Wilkes County, NC, residents 18 years or older who have Medicaid or EBT or whose annual household income is at or under $30,000/year. Please plan to pay the HSOW this amount, per pet, in cash (exact change) or by check when you get your voucher. The vouchers will not cover the total cost of the surgery and they do not cover required pain medication or special conditions. Ask for a estimate of costs from the veterinary office you are working with. 

Notes: 1. The SNAP program applies for funds from the NC Dept. of Agriculture, which requires verification of income-related services from Wilkes D.S.S. This is why we ask to see your Medicaid or EBT card.  2. If you adopt a pet from the HSOW, Critter Ridge, Wilkes Rescue Group, or the Wilkes County Animal Shelter, spay-neuter at a local vet is already included in the adoption fee. You do not need a voucher and you can get appointments with one of the local vets even if you are not a current client.

Wilkes Veterinary Hospital will accept vouchers from current clients as a discount covering most but not all of the cost of the basic surgery, Please be sure to tell them you plan to use a SNAP voucher when you make your appointment. Wilkes Veterinary Hospital requires a pre-surgery visit for pets they have not seen before (approx. $60), during which they will make the spay/neuter appointment for your pet. Please bring your records from the pre-surgery visit when you come to get a voucher.

Riverview Animal Hospital will accept vouchers from current clients as a discount covering most but not all of the cost of the basic surgery. Please tell them you plan to use a SNAP voucher when you make your appointment. Pets without a rabies vaccination will be given one at the time of surgery at an additional charge. 

Animal Ark-Elkin and Animal Hospital of Wilkes are currently not taking SNAP vouchers.

Vouchers should be obtained no more than 45 business days before the surgery appointment. 

Please keep in mind that all SNAP personnel are volunteers and the veterinary practices participate in our program voluntarily, despite a shortage of veterinarians. Please treat us respectfully. We would also appreciate it if you do not apply for a SNAP voucher if you purchased your pet from a breeder. 

To get a SNAP voucher, please bring the following to registration with HSOW:

1. Bring your ID to show that you are a Wilkes County resident, 18 years old or older.

2. Bring proof of income in the form of a Medicaid and/or EBT card or other documentation showing an annual income of under $30,000.

3. Bring payment in exact change or check.  [$25 (M) or $35 (F)  per cat, $40 (M) or $50 (F) per dog]

4. You do not need to bring your pet(s). 

Generally, we limit vouchers to two vouchers per person per month, toward a limit of six cats and two dogs per year. 

Pets must have a current rabies certificate or receive a rabies vaccine at the time of surgery for additional cost. There are some other conditions that may result in a higher cost for surgery, including a female in heat or pregnant or a male with cryptorchidism (undescended testicles). Pain medication is required but not included in the cost of the voucher.

Residents requesting SNAP vouchers for feral cats will not be held to income requirements but will have to pay about $25 for a rabies vaccine and ear tipping, in addition to the cost of the voucher and other veterinary charges as described above.

The Humane Society of Catawba County may have some appointments available at their Foothills Spay/Neuter Clinics in Hickory and Claremont. They do allow residents from other counties when space allows. Low-cost vaccines are also available there, but pets must be dropped off by 9 AM and picked up at 3 PM.  For more information: https://catawbahumane.org/services/spay-neuter/ 

Contact Us with Questions:

Health Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

Spayed animals no longer feel the need to roam to look for a mate. The result is that they stay home and have less chance of being involved in traumatic accidents such as being hit by a car. They also have a much lower incidence of contracting contagious diseases, and get into fewer fights.

In males, neutering decreases the chances of developing prostatic disease and hernias, and eliminates the chances of developing testicular cancer. It also reduces problems with territorial and sexual aggression, inappropriate urination, and other undesirable male behaviors.

In females, spaying decreases the incidence of breast cancer (the rate goes down to almost zero if the spaying is done before the first heat cycle). It eliminates the chance of developing a serious and potentially fatal infection of the uterus experienced by many unspayed females. Spaying also eliminates the heat cycle and associated undesirable behaviors, and the attraction of all available males to your yard.

The simple fact is that spaying and neutering greatly increases the lifespan of your pet and increases quality of life as well.

Source: ASPCA

Six Common Excuses for Not Spaying or Neutering Pets

1. My pet will get fat and lazy.

Neutering or spaying may diminish your pet's overall activity level by reducing his or her natural tendency to wander. Pets that become fat and lazy after being altered usually are overfed and do not get enough exercise.

2. We want another pet just like Rover and Fluffy.

Even breeding purebred animals rarely results in offspring that are exactly like one of the parents. With mixed breeds, it is virtually impossible to have offspring that are exactly like one of the parents.

3. My pet's personality will change.

Any change will be for the better. After being altered, your pet will be less aggressive toward other dogs and cats, have a better personality, and will be less likely to wander. Spraying, which is often done by dogs and cats to mark their territory, diminishes after pets are altered.

4. We can sell the puppies or kittens and make money.

Breeders are fortunate if they break even on the raising purebred litters. The cost of raising a litter, which includes vaccinations, other health care costs, and feeding a quality food, consumes most of the "profit".

5. My children should witness our pet giving birth.

Pets often have their litters in the middle of the night or in a place of their own choosing. Because pets need privacy when giving birth, any unnecessary intrusion can cause the mother to become seriously upset, and may result in her not caring for the offspring.

6. I am worried about my pet undergoing anesthesia.

This is a very common concern of owners. Although there is always a slight risk involved, anesthetics currently used by veterinarians are very safe. The medical benefits of having your pet spayed or neutered far outweigh the slight risk involved with undergoing anesthesia. Consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about this aspect of the surgery.

Source: Brown University, Canine Behavior Program