Spay and Neuter Voucher Program
NOTICE - 8/15/09
Over the past three years, Riverside County has funded a special program to assist County pet owners in sterilizing their animals and effectively reducing the number of dogs and cats born. Unfortunately, as of August 21, the Animal Sterilization Assistance Program (ASAP), formerly known as POPCO, has exhausted its yearly allocation of funds and will no longer be able to provide spay/neuter vouchers for this fiscal year.
Due to the overwhelming response from the public and the participation of the Veterinary community over 20,000 pets have been altered in the ASAP program to date. We strongly encourage everyone to be responsible pet owners, vaccinate and license all dogs and have your pets spayed/neutered to reduce the number of dogs and cats born into Riverside County.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of ASAP is to reduce the cost of spay/neuter surgeries. ASAP will accomplish this by providing spay/neuter surgical fee assistance through partnerships with private practice veterinarians and clinics and promoting humane education.
HISTORY
Animal Sterilization Assistance Program (ASAP) – Riverside County Only
Since 2006 the Riverside County Board of Supervisors has approved over $700,000 to be used for spay/neuter vouchers for residents of Riverside County. This financial designation is evidence of the true commitment of the Supervisors to end the pet overpopulation problem in Riverside County. To date over 20,000 pets have been altered as a result of the program.
The goal of ASAP is to help County of Riverside residents with the cost of spaying and neutering their dogs and cats in order to prevent unwanted animals and end pet overpopulation in Riverside County.
For FY09/10, $150,000 has been allocated by the Board of Supervisors. A portion (1/3) has been earmarked for a special project to alter pit bulls/pit bull mixes. Animal Services is pursuing grant opportunities and partnerships to increase the money available to alter companion animals. Due to the limited availability of funds, DAS has implemented new program guidelines to assist as many residents as possible.
What does the voucher provide?
Each voucher provides $50 for the altering of a dog OR $25 for the altering of a cat at designated spay/neuter clinics or hospitals. The voucher is used to help pay for the cost of surgery (not pay for it entirely). Pet owners are responsible for all other costs beyond the $25 or $50 designated on the voucher.
How to request a voucher
Call the toll free ASAP phone number 1-888-664-5166. You will need to leave your name, address, phone number, type of animal(s), name of animal(s), age, gender and breed of animal. The information is processed by Animal Services and the voucher(s) are mailed to you, along with a list of veterinary hospitals that will accept the vouchers. It can take up to 14-days to receive your voucher(s). Once you have received the voucher, call one of the vet hospitals to make an appointment, letting the vet hospital office staff know you have a voucher(s) to use.
Who qualifies for a voucher?
Everyone who lives within the County of Riverside, including all cities, qualifies for our vouchers; however, there might be other programs/grants that you qualify for (i.e. senior citizen program), so contact ASAP for more information.
How many vouchers can a person receive?
You can receive up to three vouchers for the fiscal year.
Do the vouchers expire?
Yes, the surgery must be completed within 90 days of the voucher being issued.
At which spay/neuter clinics or hospitals can I use the vouchers?
Do not schedule your pet's appointment until you receive your voucher. Because this is a new program in Riverside County, there is a high volume of requests and our staff is working very hard to process them. We cannot guarantee an arrival date, but expect between one to two weeks for delivery. Once you have received your voucher, you can make an appointment at one of the spay/neuter clinics that accept vouchers from Riverside County.
List of Participating Veterinarians
Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinics & Financial Assistance
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ASAP
