Our Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) provides financial aid and advice to Placer County pet owners who need help. The program is funded by the generosity of donors to the program and by grants aimed at bringing an end to pet overpopulation.

If you are in need of spay/neuter assistance for your cat or dog, please call our shelter at:

We currently have eleven veterinary clinics and hospitals supporting our program by performing the spay/neuter surgeries at a reduced cost. This enables our funds to go farther allowing us to serve more people and their pets!

What is spaying and neutering? Spaying is the surgical process whereby a female animal (cat, dog or rabbit) is altered so that they cannot bear offspring. Neutering is this same process except done in male animals (cats, dogs or rabbits) to prevent them from impregnating a female.

When should I spay or neuter my animal? Many veterinarians suggest that you spay or neuter your pet after it has reached 12 weeks of age. In females, it is important to spay your cat or dog before it goes into its first heat cycle (which can occur as early as 4 months in some animals). So as a rule of thumb, you should spay or neuter your pet between three and four months of age (12 to 18 weeks).

Won't spaying or neutering my animal change its personality? No. The only behavior changes you'll see are positive ones. Spayed or neutered animals make better companions and are more affectionate. Males are less likely to roam or get in fights, and they tend to stop spraying if neutered young.

Why shouldn't my cat or dog to have just one litter? Motherhood will not make your pet healthier or happier. In fact, early spaying greatly reduces health problems. Your pet can be spayed if she is in heat or pregnant, but it is best to spay early (12 to 16 weeks).

But what if I plan to find homes for the kittens or puppies? Finding good homes for kittens and puppies is not easy. Many animals are discarded once they start to grow. Many will produce surplus babies of their own. The pet overpopulation crisis is perpetuated one litter at a time.

Won't my pet become fat and lazy? Lack of exercise and overfeeding of an animal causes obesity. Make time for walks and play, and ask your veterinarian about reducing calories, if necessary.

I want my children to see the miracle of birth. Are you willing to explain to your children the tragedy of death caused by allowing yet another surplus litter to be born? What's more, most animals go off by themselves to give birth. You are likely to find out about the "miracle of birth" after it has already happened. Your local library can be a great resource for videos to help teach your children about the wonders of nature.

Won't my dog lose its protective instinct? No. Spaying and neutering does not affect a dog's natural instinct to protect home and family.

Why should I neuter my male, he's not the one having litters? Male pets can father many offspring. This makes your pet equally responsible for pet overpopulation. Neutering your male will make him less likely to roam to look for a mate.

I don't want my male pet to feel deprived or less masculine. Don't confuse human sexuality with a dog or cat's hormonal instincts. Neutering won't cause any negative emotional reaction or identity crisis and you'll help prevent prostate and testicular diseases in your pet.

It's too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered. There are many veterinarians who offer low-cost spay and neuter services. The surgery is a one-time cost and is a small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of more homeless animals.

Even with low-cost veterinary services some people still cannot afford to spay or neuter their pets. That's where our Spay/Neuter Assistance Program can help…

If you are in need of spay/neuter assistance for your cat or dog, please call our shelter at:

Still not sure you need to spay or neuter your animals? Here is something to consider:

Animal shelters across the nation are forced to kill an estimated 15 million dogs and cats every year, most of which are young and healthy.

Do you really want to see your tax dollars spent this way? As a non-profit animal welfare organization, we work hard to help rescue some of the animals from local shelters that may be destined for euthanasia and give them a second chance...