MARION, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – Lauderdale County pet owners can now get help paying to have a dog or cat fixed. The Lauderdale County Animal Control Shelter says low cost spay and neuter vouchers are available for county residents.
Spaying and neutering are surgeries that stop dogs and cats from having babies. The shelter strongly encourages both because too many pets are straining shelters and rescues across the state and region.
Two programs offer vouchers
The vouchers come from two different programs.
The first is the Gladys Carlisle Bowyer Endowment Fund. The Community Foundation of East Mississippi runs this fund. Its goal is to reduce pet overpopulation in the county.
The second comes from Petco Love. This nonprofit gives grants and other support for animal health, adoptions and other causes.
How the Petco Love vouchers work
Pet owners should know these rules before they get a Petco Love voucher.
- The voucher pays 50% of the base cost of the surgery.
- It works for dogs and cats that belong to Lauderdale County residents.
- The surgery must take place at Collinsville Veterinary Clinic.
- The voucher lasts one week from the day the shelter issues it.
So, owners have seven days to use it. The shelter did not list the rules for the Bowyer vouchers. However, pet owners can ask about them when they call.
How to get a voucher
The shelter asks people to call before they visit. Then, staff can explain the program and how to get a voucher.
Call the shelter at 601-485-1849. You can also call that number to learn how to support the shelter.
The shelter is at 6100 Rocky Lane in Marion. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, it closes on major holidays.
The shelter says its goal is simple. It wants to make these surgeries easier to afford. It also wants fewer unwanted animals to end up in local shelters and rescues.
