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Eligibility Information & What To Expect

This is not a free program. Spay Neuter Initiatives Association (SNIP) continues to be unwavering in their mission to facilitate low-cost spay/neuter procedures for the companion animals of lower-income residents in Durham Region. We strive to make our services as affordable as possible and we are committed to supporting as many pet guardians as possible. We do not have a voucher program or a dedicated spay/neuter clinic. We work with a number of excellent, established and accredited veterinary clinics throughout Durham Region.

To ensure the program can continue to serve those in need, we ask that applicants apply only if they are able to:

1. Pay a $50 non-refundable deposit at the time of application. Applications submitted without a deposit will not be processed. Deposits must be e-transferred to spayneuterinitiatives@gmail.com Please indicate your name and your pet’s name in the message area of your e-transfer.
2. Complete the balance of the payment anytime within 3 months of your application date.

We understand that financial circumstances can be very challenging. If you are unable to meet these requirements at this time, we encourage you to apply when it’s more manageable for your budget. This will help to keep our program running smoothly.

  • Please be aware, that as with any surgery, there are some risks with spay and neuter surgeries. However, the benefits for your companion animal far out-weigh the risks. Complications are very rare but do happen.
  • Up-to-date Rabies Vaccinations for your pet may be required either before or during surgery as they are mandatory in Ontario. SNIP will cover the cost of the Rabies Vaccine if needed.
  • Please understand that any unforeseen issues that arise due to complications during surgery or after cannot be covered by this program. You will be responsible for the costs of surcharges (i.e. Pregnant and/or Pyometra spays, Cryptorchid neuters, Hernia repairs). Charges for any tests or other additional procedures you request from the veterinarian are also your financial responsibility.
  • Proof of Income (a Notice of Assessment from the CRA) must be submitted with the application.  Approved applications will be kept on file for a period of three months only. All Proof of Income information shared with our program will be destroyed immediately after completion of all veterinary procedures. Spay Neuter Initiatives Association will keep all applications completely confidential.
  • The applicant must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of Durham Region. Applications must be submitted with a $50 non-refundable deposit. If a deposit is not received at the time of application, the application will not be processed. The application must be completed in full. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. You will not be contacted if your application is incomplete.
  • If you do not make payment in full within three months after applying, your application will be considered null and void and you will be required to submit a new application and deposit should you wish to continue with the program. If your application is declined, you will be notified. You may apply again later at any time should your circumstances change.
  • The maximum number of applications is 2 pets per family per year. Separate applications are required for each animal.

It is at the discretion of the participating veterinarian on the day of surgery whether your pet is a candidate for spay/neuter surgery. If the veterinarian staff deems your companion animal unfit for surgery that day for any reason, please notify Spay Neuter Initiatives Association. If your animal is able to have surgery that day, you will be asked by the participating Veterinary clinic to sign a consent form.
 Upon receipt of the application, a $50 non-refundable deposit and supporting Proof of Income eligibility, we will contact you by email as soon as possible to notify you if you have been approved or not. Our email will explain next steps and what you can expect. We will also discuss your total fee at this time and any municipal subsidies and/or sponsorships that are available to you. No veterinary appointment will be booked until payment in full is received. Should you not be approved, then your deposit will be returned to you.
 Upon payment of the balance in full via e-transfer to spayneuterinitiatives@gmail.com we will confirm receipt of payment and email an appointment date with one of our accredited Durham Region veterinarians nearest to your home. We will also include “Pre and Post Operative Instructions”. Please read these instructions for your pet to ensure they have a successful surgery and recovery. These instructions are also located here on our website for your information.
 We will also ask you to sign the Spay Neuter Initiatives Authorization for Sterilization Surgery form.

Please remember space in our program is limited, so we ask that you try to accommodate the first date that is offered to you. Otherwise, it may be difficult to reschedule in a timely manner. We also ask that you arrive on time to your veterinary appointment.
 Cancellation or postponement of your veterinary appointment for any reason requires at least a 48-hour minimum notice.
 Our Standard Price List is available on our website, and occasionally, we can lower these prices if we have received larger donations, sponsorships or municipal subsidies.