County's spay/neuter program is back

The Aiken County Animal Shelter's spay/neuter voucher program is back.

The new fiscal year has begun, and the $30,000 County Council included in its budget is now available to fund the program.

Much like the City of Aiken's spay/neuter program, the County provides spay/neuter vouchers to residents who require financial assistance to have their pets fixed.

Concern grew during Council's budget deliberations because the program's funding, which had first been allocated in 2008, had been depleted.

Members of the Animal Control Advisory Board approached Council and urged them to budget another $30,000 to continue funding the vouchers, which it did.

Members on Council and the Animal Control Advisory Board believe spaying and neutering cuts down on the number of unwanted offspring surrendered to shelters or left to roam as strays in Aiken County.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, a fertile cat can produce up to three litters every year with an average number of four to six kittens per litter.

A fertile dog can produce up to three litters every year with six to 10 puppies per litter.

Vouchers are granted depending on the animal and its gender - a dog's spaying is up to $100; a dog's neutering is up to $75; a cat's spaying is up to $75; and a cat's neutering is up to $45.

The qualified applicant presents the voucher to any veterinarian in the County.

Vets accept the vouchers as payment for the surgery then turn them in to the County on a monthly basis for reimbursement.

For more information on animals available for adoption at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, visit www.petfinder.com, call 642-1537 or visit the facility at 411 Wire Road.

Voucher applications are available at the shelter.