Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program
Helping families on the MA North Shore access affordable spay and neuter.
To qualify for this program, pet owners must:
- Live on Massachusetts' North Shore (Amesbury, Beverly, Danvers, Essex, Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Lynn, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Marblehead, Nahant, Newbury, Newburyport, Peabody, Revere, Rockport, Rowley, Salem, Salisbury, Saugus, Swampscott, and Wenham)
- Have a combined household income under 300% of the Federal Poverty Line (see below for qualifying incomes)
- Pets must be at least 8 weeks old, kittens must weigh at least 2lbs.
How to Apply:
1. Visit the shelter during our regular open hours to reserve your certificate. These appointments are for approving your application ONLY. Your pet will not be having surgery on this date. Please DO NOT bring your pet with you to pick up your certificate.
2. Bring a photo ID, proof of rabies vaccine, and one item verifying that you qualify (accepted documents below). Becaues rabies is a state requirement for all pets (dog or cat), if your pet is not up to date on their rabies vaccine, we require you to vaccinate them at your appointment ($20 additional fee).
3. At your appointment, a CAAA staff member will visually verify that you qualify. We will not copy or keep your proof of income on file.
4. Payment of services is due for issuance of certificate (outline of fees below). You will receive a certificate for the program and we will schedule your surgery date. Please bring your certificate with you on the date of your surgery.
Qualifying incomes based on household size:
Household Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annual Income | 47,880 | 64,920 | 81,960 | 99,000 | 116,040 | 133,080 | 150,120 | 167,160 | 184,200 | 201,240 |
Monthly Income | 3,990 | 5,410 | 6,830 | 8,250 | 9,670 | 11,090 | 12,510 | 13,930 | 15,350 | 16,770 |
Accepted documents (only one required):
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program card
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) card (formerly known as Food Stamps/EBT)
- Letter/lease from the owner’s local housing authority showing that the owner is a participant in public housing
- Letter/bill demonstrating government fuel assistance
- Most recent tax return (Form 1040) showing total income at or less than 300% of the federal poverty level, adjusted for household size
Fees (due at time of certificate issuance):
Cat Neuter | $150 |
Cat Spay | $200 |
Small Dog Neuter (<50lbs) | $300 |
Large Dog Neuter (>50lbs ) OR Small Dog Spay (<50lbs) | $350 |
Large Dog Spay (>50lbs) | $400 |
Pets over 5yrs | additional $40 |
Bloodwork for pets 5+ years old | $100 |
Vaccine Add-on | $20 |
Microchip Add-on | FREE |