Spay and Neuter

Please read these FAQs before registering for an appointment. If they don't answer your questions, please CALL our phone line at 440-462-0008 (this is a call line only, no texting). Please only call AFTER you have read all the FAQs and don't find answers. We are getting lots of calls, and have few hands to help. Thank you!

What does "spay" mean?

"Spay" refers to the surgery a female cat or dog gets so they can no longer reproduce. The uterus is removed.

What does "neuter" mean?

"Neuter" refers to the surgery a male cat or dog gets so they can no longer reproduce. The testicles are removed.

Do I need to qualify to participate in this program?

No, this program is open to all pet parents in Ashtabula County.

I live outside Ashtabula County - can I still register for an appointment?

Yes, if you live in the vicinity of Ashtabula County.

I receive government assistance (Medicaid, SS Disability, SNAP etc) - can I get financial assistance?

Yes, with proof of government assistance, you will get a lower fee. Check this list to make sure you qualify: Subsidy Qualification List

Willowick Food Pantry , provides vouchers for FREE spay neuter at PetFix for those who receive government assistance. FIRST, register for an appointment for your pet, THEN CALL Willowick Pet Food Pantry at (440)520-4881 . Let them know your pet has an appointment at PetFix through the Animal Welfare Center.

I have a cat - what is the cost?

$71 females, $51 males. Fee includes rabies vaccine

If you qualify for "subsidy rate" (see Subsidy Qualification List), the fee is $41 (male or female)

If the cat is a stray or feral (outdoor only) the fee is $31-$42, depending on the clinic.

I have a stray/feral cat outdoors - what is the cost?

If the cat is a stray or feral (outdoor only) the fee is $31-$42, depending on the clinic.

NOTE: we can only accommodate cats in traps on the transports going to PetFix

I have a dog - what is the cost?

My DOG is over 70# - can I still register for an appointment?

Yes, but you need to drive your dog to/from the clinic yourself. The transport van can only accommodate dogs up to 70#.

Is the surgery done in Ashtabula County?

No. This is a transport program to specialized spay neuter clinics outside Ashtabula County. We partner with PetFix in Euclid, and One of a Kind in Akron. Transport is free.

Which clinic will my pet be going to?

All dog transports go to PetFix (Euclid). Cats go to both PetFix and Alter Clinic (Canton).

Can I drive my pet to the clinic myself?

Yes, but only if the transport is to PetFix. When you register your pet, make sure to say in the comment  box that you want to drive your pet yourself

Where do I bring my pet?

We meet for check-in and check-out at the Ashtabula Township Admin Office building, 2718 North Ridge Rd East

What time do I bring my pet?

It varies with which clinic the transport is going to.

Check-in for CATS going to PetFix is 7 am

Check-in for CATS going to Alter Clinic is 5:15am

Check-in for DOGS (always going to PetFix) is 7:15 am

What time do I pick my pet up?

All transports (dogs and cats) from PetFix come back at 3:30 pm

The transports coming back from Alter Clinic typically returns around 6pm

My pet is in heat - can she still have the surgery?

Yes

My pet is pregnant - can she still have the surgery?

Yes. However, some clinics will not spay a pregnant dog.

How old does a KITTEN or PUPPY need to be to have the surgery?

The minimum age is 8 weeks, and the minimum weight is 2 pounds.

My pet is over 5 years old - can he/she still have the surgery?

Yes, but the clinics recommend doing a blood test to make sure the pet is healthy enough for surgery - this is an optional test. The test must be done at your local vet clinic if you register for a transport to PetFix. If your pet is going to One of a Kind in Akron, the test can be done prior to surgery (the cost is around $40)

Can my pet get a Rabies vaccine?

Rabies vaccine is included in the fee.

Can my pet get a distemper vaccine?

Yes, but at an extra cost of $15.

When you fill out the surgery form in the morning of the appointment, you can choose this option.

Can my pet get a nail trim?

Yes, at an extra cost of $10

When you fill out the surgery form in the morning of the appointment, you can choose this option.

Can my pet get flea prevention?

Yes, at an extra cost of $10

When you fill out the surgery form in the morning of the appointment, you can choose this option.

Can my pet get a microchip?

Yes, at a cost of $10 if you qualify for the "subsidy rate", and $15 for all others.

When you fill out the surgery form in the morning of the appointment, you can choose this option.

Can my CAT get tested for FIV and FeLV?

Yes, but only if the cat has an appointment at Alter Clinic. The cost is around $25.

When you fill out the surgery form in the morning of the appointment, you can choose this option.

Can my pet get dewormed?

Yes, at Alter Clinic.

No, at PetFix.

My pet is already fixed - can I get just the vaccines?

No, not at this time. We recommend you go to the walk-in vaccination clinics at Tractor Supply. Some PetSupplies Plus stores also have vaccination clinics.

All transport dates are full - how do I sign up?

The spay neuter program is on-going - more dates will be coming! We open registration about3  weeks prior to the transport dates, and make announcements on our FB page. ALL registrations are done online - we do not take phone registrations.

All transport dates are full - when is the next one?

The dog transports to PetFix are the second Wednesday each month

The cat transports to PetFix are the second and fourth Thursday of each month + the fourth Wednesday each month

The dates for the cat transports to Alter Clinic varies, but is most often on a Monday. We typically have 2 transports per month to Alter Clinic.

When do I need to pay the fee?

A nonrefundable deposit of $20 for cats and $30 for dogs is due 1-2 weeks prior to the appointment date. We will text you (or email, if you don't have a smartphone) a payment link. You must pay within 24 hours of receiving the link to avoid auto-cancellation of your appointment.

The rest of the fee is due in CASH in the morning of the appointment. Refer to the registration confirmation email (that will be sent after you have registered) for your total.

Can I pay with a credit/debit card?

You will pay the deposit with a card, but the remainder is due in CASH in the morning of the appointment.

I have a DOG - do I need to bring a crate/kennel for the transport?

No. The transport van has built-in kennels.

I don't have a cat carrier - what do I do?

Try to borrow a cat carrier from your family or friends. If you are unable to borrow one, you can borrow one from us. However, be VERY CAREFUL with how you bring your cat in the car. We have had 2 people lose their cats on the parking lot. You MUST be able to bring your cat safely, and transfer him/her to the cat carrier.

I have a rabbit - how can I get spay neuter surgery?

None of the clinics we work with do spay neuter for rabbits, however, we recommend Alter Clinic in Canton. You can find them on the web or on Facebook.