County's Pet Spay-Neuter Program Will Continue Through March
Cook County’s annual partnership with private veterinarians to offer discounted spay and neuter services for pets has been extended through March. The program provides discounts of up to $40 per procedure and is available for up to two pets per household.
Previously, the program was administered only in February.
“Our office’s ongoing relationship with veterinarians throughout the County allows us to continue offering discounts for this vital service for another month,” said Dr. Donna Alexander, Administrator of the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control.
Veterinarians will surgically spay or neuter pets under general anesthetic, so the pets feel no pain. To ensure eligibility for the program, veterinarians will confirm the animal is up to date on rabies shots and the owner is a Cook County resident. Veterinarians handle all paperwork associated with the discount.
Cook County pet owners who want to have their pets spayed or neutered under the program can simply go to a veterinarian of their choice and ask for the Cook County discount. No coupons or bar codes are needed.
Last year, 3,472 animals were spayed or neutered through the program. Since fees for the service vary by veterinarian, so can the amount of the discounts. For example, the discount can be as high as $40 but also could be as low as $20 if the cost of the surgery has already been reduced by the participating vet.
Dr. Alexander said taxpayers have collectively saved an average of $137,460 a year through the program, which the County has operated together with the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association since 2008.
Previously, the program was administered only in February.
“Our office’s ongoing relationship with veterinarians throughout the County allows us to continue offering discounts for this vital service for another month,” said Dr. Donna Alexander, Administrator of the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control.
Veterinarians will surgically spay or neuter pets under general anesthetic, so the pets feel no pain. To ensure eligibility for the program, veterinarians will confirm the animal is up to date on rabies shots and the owner is a Cook County resident. Veterinarians handle all paperwork associated with the discount.
Cook County pet owners who want to have their pets spayed or neutered under the program can simply go to a veterinarian of their choice and ask for the Cook County discount. No coupons or bar codes are needed.
Last year, 3,472 animals were spayed or neutered through the program. Since fees for the service vary by veterinarian, so can the amount of the discounts. For example, the discount can be as high as $40 but also could be as low as $20 if the cost of the surgery has already been reduced by the participating vet.
Dr. Alexander said taxpayers have collectively saved an average of $137,460 a year through the program, which the County has operated together with the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association since 2008.