Community Assistance Spay and Neuter Programs

Available to residents of Chaffee County, Colorado




Community Assistance Spay and Neuter Programs

AVHS is dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation in our community. 

OWNED PETS

Available to residents of Chaffee County, Colorado, Ark-Valley Humane Society’s Community Assistance Spay/Neuter Programs are currently helping to subsidize surgeries for:

  1. All Owned Cats living in Chaffee County.
  2. All Pit Bull Breeds and Predominately Pit Bull Mixes living in Chaffee County. Photo verification of dog breed required at time of application, subject to approval by AVHS.
  3. Other Canine Breeds belonging to verified Low Income/Unsheltered community members living in Chaffee County. Proof of pet owner’s low income/unsheltered status required at time of application via:
      • A letter of referral stating their low-income/unsheltered status from a referring agency OR a referring agency staff member fills out the application on behalf of the pet owner.
            • Referring agency examples: Law enforcement, a human services agency such as Chaffee County Hospitality, the Department of Human Services, Solvista, any church, The Mission, The Grainery, the Caring & Sharing Resource Center, etc.
      • Pet owners can also show proof of enrollment in CO assistance programs such as SNAP, Health First Colorado/Medicaid, Social Security Disability, etc.

To apply, fill out the application below. Please fill out one form per pet. For assistance call or text us at 719-395-2737 to speak with AVHS Staff, or send us an email to info@ark-valley.org.


Don’t live in Chaffee County? Check out other county resources below:


FERAL CATS

For information about trap/neuter/return (TNR) for feral and free-roaming cats click here . For barn cat relocation tips, click here.

VET INFO

Click here for a list of participating vet clinics.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is spaying and neutering?

A: Spaying is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus in female cats
and dogs and prevents them from getting pregnant. Neutering is a surgical procedure that removes the testicles in male animals and prevents them from being able to impregnate females. Spaying or neutering needs to be done by a veterinarian. Sterilizing
or fixing an animal is the same as spaying or neutering. Animals that have not been spayed or neutered are sometimes referred to as intact, unspayed, or unneutered.

Q: Why should I have my cat or dog spayed or neutered?

A: 1) Long Happy Lives! Spaying and neutering prevents uterine infections, mammary and testicular tumors, and some kinds of cancer.
2) Good Behavior! Spaying and neutering reduces the likelihood urine marking, running away, mounting behaviors, and aggression. Females who are spayed do not go into heat, which means you can avoid the unpleasant behaviors and mess associated with heat cycles.
3) Saving Lives! The number one killer of companion animals is euthanasia in animal shelters. Spaying and neutering prevents unwanted litters and reducing the burden on shelters, so that they can save more of the animals in their care.

Q: Is it OK to spay or neuter my pet when she’s a kitten or puppy?

A: Yes! Ark-Valley Humane Society spays or neuters cats and dogs at 8 – 12 weeks of age as long as they weigh at least two pounds. Pediatric spay and neuter is safe and effective. The age of spay and neuter will vary depending on the veterinarian, but most veterinarians will perform the surgery beginning between 4 and 6 months of age. Not only is it OK, it is better because it is a simpler surgery with a faster recover time than with adult pets.

Q: Shouldn't I let my pet have a heat before I spay her? Shouldn’t I let my pet have a litter before I spay her?

A: There is no evidence that having a heat is beneficial for your dog or cat. Rather, spaying your pet before her first heat allows for a simpler surgery, easier recover for her, and reduces the risk of mammary tumors developing later on. The first heat can happen as early as 4-6 months of age. By spaying before the first heat, you avoid risking an unwanted pregnancy. If you want your children to witness birth, consider instead becoming a foster parent for a pregnant animal at the shelter. To find out more about volunteer activities at Ark-Valley Humane Society click here.


Trap-Neuter-Return

Why do we TNR?

According to Alley Cat Allies, Trap-Neuter-Return is the humane and effective approach for stray and feral cats. Now in practice for decades in the US after being proven in Europe, scientific studies show that Trap-Neuter-Return improves the lives of feral cats, improves their relationships with the people who live near them, and decreases the size of colonies over time. To learn more about TNR and why we utilize this practice, click here.