Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program
Helping families on the MA North Shore access affordable spay and neuter.
In an effort to help fill the access-to-care gap in our community, Cape Ann Animal Aid's Low-Cost Spay Neuter Program has expanded. With a sliding-scale of fees depending on income level, Cape Ann Animal Aid aims to make essential veterinary care accessible to all pet owners. Please note: a limited number of appointments are available at each level every 2 months. Program is offered as a clinic service and is not intended to replace the care of your regular veterinarian.
This program aims to assist those in need with access to services; if you have the ability to access spay/neuter for your pet, please allow us to preserve our limited resources for use by those in need. If you are able to have your pet's spay/neuter performed by your regular veterinarian, please do so. Thank you for understanding.
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)
- Pets must be at least 8 weeks old, kittens must weigh at least 2lbs.
How to Apply:
1. Reach out for availability: Call or email the shelter with your income level and services needed. A receptionist will reach out to you for further details and to verify the tier you qualify for.
Contact 978-283-6055 or info@capeannanimalaid.org
2. Verify your eligibility: show a photo ID, proof of rabies vaccine, and one item verifying that you qualify (if needed - accepted documents below). Verification can be done in person by visiting the shelter during open hours or virtually (Google Meet or Zoom meeting) by appointment. CAAA will not copy or keep your proof of income on file - do not email documents to the shelter.
Please note: Because 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).
4. Book & Pay: 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.
Income tiers and sliding-scale fees
Low-Income Tier
| |
Cat Spay | $125 |
Cat Neuter | $90 |
Dog Spay < 50 lbs | $275 |
Dog Neuter < 50 lbs | $200 |
Dog Spay > 50 lbs | $350 |
Dog Neuter > 50 lbs | $275 |
Accepted documents (only one required):
| |
Moderate-Income Tier
| |
Cat Spay | $295 |
Cat Neuter | $225 |
Dog Spay < 50 lbs | $475 |
Dog Neuter < 50 lbs | $400 |
Dog Spay > 50 lbs | $600 |
Dog Neuter > 50 lbs | $525 |
Accepted verification documents
| |
Full-Price Tier
| |
Cat Spay | $350 |
Cat Neuter | $275 |
Dog Spay < 50 lbs | $550 |
Dog Neuter < 50 lbs | $475 |
Dog Spay > 50 lbs | $700 |
Dog Neuter > 50 lbs | $600 |
No verifying income documents required for this level | |
Additional Fees (due at time of certificate issuance): | |
Pets over 5yrs | additional $40 |
Bloodwork for pets 5+ years old | $100 |
Vaccine Add-on (Rabies or Distemper) | $20 |
Microchip Add-on | $20 |
Hernia Repair (Dependent on size & complexity) | $40 - $125 |
Estrus (In Heat) | $35 |
Obese | $40 |
Cryptorchid (undescended testes; dependent on complexity) < 50 lbs | Inguinal $40 Abdominal $100 - $125 |
Cryptorchid (undescended testes; dependent on complexity) > 50 lbs | Inguinal $65 Abdominal $150 - $200 |
Our top priority is the safety and well-being of your pet and our team. In some cases, a scheduled spay/neuter surgery may need to be postponed or canceled if a pet is showing signs of illness, is too stressed or reactive to be safely handled, or if other concerns are identified before or during intake.
If this happens, we will talk with you about next steps, which may include rescheduling or recommending follow-up care with a full-service veterinary clinic.