Vermont Animal Control Officers, Constable's or any municipal enforcement official tasked with the enforcement of animals laws, public safety and community relations are all to familiar with the economic, social and public safety problems that animal overpopulation contribute to our Vermont communities and the animals within them.
Most often these officials are the first responders to cases of animal abandonment such as puppies, kittens, pregnant female dogs and cats being tossed to the roadside, left tied to trees or in crates, set free to roam the streets, left on the doorsteps of Veterinarian offices or given away moving from home to home to home because no one wants to or can afford to care for them. Humane Societies are often full in Vermont and cannot accept all of these animals, leaving individuals with few choices, as there isn't enough homes for every animal. It then places the burdon and responsibility onto the taxpayers and towns and cities municipal employees to care for, shelter and home these animals.
While animal abandonement is a crime in Vermont, most of these crimes are done in secrecy and cover, leaving only the victims (the animals) who cannot name their offender(s).
We (VACA) believe through spaying and neutering every animal, the problem with "Not enough homes for them all" can be eventually resolved, which will eliminate the need for individuals to feel that they have no other choice but to abandon or mistreat their pets. We encourage those who can afford to spay and neuter your pet, to speak to your Veterinarian and schedule and appointment as soon as your pet is of age. If you cannot afford to have your pet spayed or neutered, do not let this become an excuse not to do it...Below are programs and low cost clinics that make it financially possible to have this done. REMEMBER...spaying and neutering is not only the right thing to do, it is also the loving thing to do for your pet, as it will decrease the chances dramatically of developing life taking cancers such as ovarian cancer and testicular cancer, most common and very prevalant in todays domestic dogs and cats.
SPAY/NEUTER ASSISTANCE FOR LOW INCOME VERMONTERS:
Vermont Spay Neuter assistance program "VSNIP"
This program is overseen and regulated by the State of Vermont, Dept. of Agriculture, www.vermontagriculture.com and services are maintained by the administrator Susan Skaskiw, Vermont Volunteer Services for Humane Society.
Animal Control Officials ensure that every dog is licensed in Vermont and $3.00 from each license goes to fund the VSNIP program that offers vaccinations and spaying/neutering for low income eligible Vermonters. Please go to the web-site for further information on program requirements at http://vvsahs.org/vsnip.php or call 802-672-5302 for form locations and requirements.
If you do not qualify under the guidelines requirements set by VSNIP and are unable to spay/neuter your pet due to income restrictions contact;
Alley Animals - 802-598-3263
OTHER LOW COST SPAY/NEUTER CLINICS IN VERMONT:
Cat Spay/Neuter Clinic
3619 Roosevelt Hwy.
Colchester, Vt 05446
802-878-2230
Vt-Can
19A Bailey Meadows Road
Middlesex, Vt
802-223-0034
www.vt-can.org
Riverside Rescue
Gilman, VT 05904
802-892-5300
Whiskers & Tails
Wilmington, Vt 05363
802-464-0522
Also, please contact your local Animal Control Official in your town, as they may be able to direct you to a low-cost spay/neuter clinic being conducted in your area or give you a list of Veterinarians in your area. You may find your towns official on this web-site or by calling your local town/city clerks office, local Constable, Police, Sheriff or State Police Barracks.
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