Miami-Dade County Animal Services (Animal Services) once again has received a $25,000 grant from Florida Animal Friend to subsidize free spay and neuter services for the cats and dogs of low-income residents in Miami-Dade County.
For a limited time, income-qualified pet sterilizations will be available at the Animal Services Pet Adoption and Protection Center, located at 3599 NW 79 Ave. in Doral, and the Homestead Community Spay/Neuter Clinic, 1034 NE Eighth St. in Homestead. The free surgeries are available until the funds are exhausted.
The awarded funds will enable Animal Services to spay or neuter approximately 500 dogs and cats free of charge for Miami-Dade County pet owners who meet the income eligibility requirements as follows: pet owners currently receiving government assistance through programs such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Medicaid; Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
To qualify, a card or letter showing proof of eligibility must be issued in the pet owner’s name and presented at the time of surgery. Spay and neuter surgeries are by appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled online or by calling 3-1-1. Pets without a current rabies vaccine will be vaccinated at the time of surgery for no fee. The licensing fee of $5 for dogs will still apply and will be required at the time of surgery for dogs not currently licensed. There is no limit to the number of pets per household that may be elligible.
Florida Animal Friend grants are awarded to programs that increase cat and dog sterilizations above the existing baseline. The grant program is funded through the sale of specialty license plates available through the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles.
The purchase of a Florida Animal Friend License plate helps fund free and low-cost spay and neuter programs across the state.
More information is available on the Animal Services by calling 3-1-1.
