Spay and Neuter

Please read these FAQs before registering for an appointment. It's Important! If they don't answer your questions, please CALL our phone line at 440-462-0008 (this is a call line only, no texting) MWF 9am-noon, Sat 9am-11am. 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, and close vicinity to the county (e.g. Madison). There are some transports that offer extra subsidy for those who qualify (see more info in FAQs).

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

Yes, but only if you live in the near vicinity of Ashtabula County (e.g Madison)

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

Yes, we have lower fees for those who qualify. You will need to bring proof of qualifications to the appointment . Check this list to determine if you qualify: Subsidy Qualification List 

**************************VOUCHERS APPLY TO PETFIX TRANSPORTS ONLY************************************

Ohio Paws With Purpose (formerly Willowick Food Pantry ), provides additional financial assistance - at PetFix clinic only -  for those who receive government assistance.

  1. Register your dog/cat for a PetFix transport date (vouchers are only valid for PetFix transports!). When you get to the point of Payment, choose the "Voucher" option and complete your registration. You will receive a registration confirmation via email.
  2. Follow the instructions below to obtain a voucher from Ohio Paws With Purpose (formerly Willowick Pet Food Pantry)
  3. After you have been approved for the voucher, REPLY TO THE REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION EMAIL so we will know. Please note that there may be a remaining balance after the voucher has been applied, and you will receive a secure payment link via text (or email if you don't have a textable phone) to pay the rest.

To obtain the voucher(s) from Ohio Paws With Purpose, send the info below to ohiopawswithpurpose@gmail.com or call/text (text preferred) 440-520-4881.  ************** VOUCHERS ONLY APPLY TO PETFIX TRANSPORTS*************************

  1. Full name, address, phone number and photo ID 
  2.  Proof of government assistance
  3. Name and photo of pet(s) 
  4. Date of transport to PetFix ( let them know it's through the Animal Welfare Center)

    NOTE: The voucher includes FREE spay neuter+ rabies vaccine for cats (max. 2 cats/year), and $35 voucher for dogs (max. 2 dogs/year) towards surgery + FREE rabies vaccine. Payment is made directly to PetFix in the form of a voucher. Willowick Pet Food Pantry does NOT reimburse pet owners. 

I have a cat - what is the cost?

$76 females, $58 males. Fee includes surgery + rabies vaccine

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

If the cat is a stray or feral (outdoor only) the fee is $31-$42, depending on the clinic (includes at a minimum rabies vaccine, some clinics include other services in the fee)

Payment is due at time of registration. There will be a card processing fee that we are only able to collect at time of check-in. It is $0.30 + 2.9%.

There are additional, optional, services also available that you can choose when you fill out the surgery form at check-in. You will get a list of services and their fees in the registration confirmation email, due in CASH at check-in.

We also ask that you support the Animal Welfare Center (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) in one of two ways (you will chose one of the following during registration)

  1. Get a FREE and NO-OBLIGATION insurance quote (auto,home etc) from Tracie Brown's State Farm office in Ashtabula, phone 440-998-7410. They will donate $10 to AWC for each quote. You may refer family and friends to get quotes on your behalf. One quote per pet.
  2. Donate $ 10 yourself (per pet)

Without this support from our community, we cannot continue offering programs. We get no government funding.

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.

There will be a card processing fee that we are only able to collect at time of check-in. It is $0.30 + 2.9%.

There are additional, optional, services also available that you can choose when you fill out the surgery form at check-in. You will get a list of services and their fees in the registration confirmation email, due in CASH at check-in.

We also ask that you support the Animal Welfare Center (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) in one of two ways (you will chose one of the following during registration)

  1. Get a FREE and NO-OBLIGATION insurance quote (auto,home etc) from Tracie Brown's State Farm office in Ashtabula, phone 440-998-7410. They will donate $10 to AWC for each quote. You may refer family and friends to get quotes on your behalf. One quote per pet.
  2. Donate $ 10 yourself (per pet)

Without this support from our community, we cannot continue offering programs. We get no government funding.

NOTE: we can only accommodate cats in traps on the transports going to PetFix - for all other transports, strays must travel in a carrier. Please do not put a feral cat in a cat carrier!

I have a dog - what is the cost?

It depends on the clinic. Fees subject to change without notice.

DOG SUBSIDY FEES(gov assist/low income qualification applies!)

  • Males: $61-$71 (subsidy rate)
  • Females: $71-$91 (subsidy rate)

                        includes rabies vaccine, 3 days pain medication, e-collar

DOG REGULAR FEES

  • Females 2-20#: $125               Males 2-20#: $110
  • Females 21-40#: $130             Males 21-40#: $115
  • Females 41-60#: $145             Males 41-60#: $120
  • Females 61-80#: $160            Males 61-80#: $130

 includes rabies vaccine, nail trim, 3 days pain medication, e-collar (plastic cone)

There will be a card processing fee that we are only able to collect at time of check-in. It is $0.30 + 2.9%.

There are additional, optional, services also available that you can choose when you fill out the surgery form at check-in. You will get a list of services and their fees in the registration confirmation email, to be paid in CASH at the day of the appointment.

We also ask that you support the Animal Welfare Center (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) in one of two ways (you will chose one of the following during registration)

  1. Get a FREE and NO-OBLIGATION insurance quote (auto,home etc) from Tracie Brown's State Farm office in Ashtabula, phone 440-998-7410. They will donate $10 to AWC for each quote. You may refer family and friends to get quotes on your behalf. One quote per pet.
  2. Donate $ 10 yourself (per pet)

Without this support from our community, we cannot continue offering programs. We get no government funding.

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

Yes, but only to PetFix. You need to drive your dog to/from the clinic yourself. The transport van can only accommodate dogs up to 70#. When you register, there is a Comment Box where you can let us know that you will transport yourself.

NOTE: transports to Humble Creatures Clinic cannot accommodate dogs over 70#. All dogs must go on the transport.

I have a dog who is less than 70#, can I still transport my dog myself?

Yes! You are always welcome to transport yourself to PetFix  - but for all other clinics, pet must be part of our transport. Just let us know in the Comment Box when you register if you are going to transport yourself.

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 Humble Creatures Clinic in Canton.

How many pets can I register for a particular transport?

You can register a maximum of 5 cats for a particular transport, and a maximum of 2 dogs. We do make exceptions, but special arrangements are needed. Please email executivedirector@awcashtabula.org

NOTE: dog and cat transports are on different dates i.e. you cannot send your dog and cat on the same transport

Which clinic will my pet be going to?

We work with PetFix in Euclid and Humble Creatures Clinic in Canton. The available transport dates will indicate the name of the clinic.

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 state in the comment  box that you want to drive your pet yourself

Where do I bring my pet?

It depends on the transport. After you click on a transport date to initiate registration you will be able to read details such as where we are meeting. We currently have the following meeting locations (note: each transport only picks up at ONE location!)

  • Ashtabula Twp Admin Office building, 2718 North Ridge Rd East, Ashtabula (corner of Rt 20/Rt 11, opposite to Enterprise)
  • Harpersfield Twp Hall, 1324 Harpersfield Rd, Geneva (off of Rt 534, just south of the I-90/Rt 534 Geneva exit)

What time do I bring my pet?

It varies with which clinic the transport is going to.

Humble Creatures Clinic: check-in is usually 6 am

PetFix: Check-in is 7 am for cats, 7:15 am for dogs

What time do I pick my pet up?

Cats come back from PetFix at 4pm

Dogs come back from PetFix at 3:30pm

Cats come back from Humble Creatures around 6pm

Dogs come back from Humble Creatures around 4 pm

Can a friend or relative drop off or pick up my pet?

Yes, but please make sure they know enough information about your pet so they can fill out the surgery form on your behalf. They need to know DOB, if the pet is up-to-date on rabies and flea treatment, and whether there is any current medical condition. They also need to know if you want any additional services, such as distemper vaccination, nail trim, flea treatment, deworming and microchipping.

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

Yes

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

Yes, the clinics will spay a pregnant female cat at any point in pregnancy. Some clinics will not spay pregnant dogs.

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, and sometimes require, doing a blood test to make sure the pet is healthy enough for surgery. Some clinics can do the test prior to surgery, for other clinics it needs to be done at a local vet clinic. You will find details in the registration confirmation email.

Can my pet get a Rabies vaccine?

Rabies vaccine is included in the fee. If your pet is up-to-date, bring paperwork from the vet clinic (a tag is not sufficient proof).

Can my pet get a distemper vaccine?

Yes, at an extra cost of $15-$20, depending on the clinic

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, usually at extra cost of $10, but some clinics include this in the base fee

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-$20 (depending on the product/clinic)

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 not all clinics offer this. The cost is around $25-$30.

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 and Humble Creatures

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. Other options are VIP Pet Care inside PetSupplies Plus in Painesville, and VetIQ clinic in Mentor (Meijer building).

How do I register my pet?

You need to register via the Animal Welfare Center's online registration system via this website. Click on the photo of the Cat or Dog at the bottom of this page. Do not call the clinic directly.

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 about 2-3 weeks prior to the transport dates, and make announcements on our FB page when a date is opened for registration. ALL registrations are done online - we do not take phone registrations (the exception is if you do not have internet access).

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 Humble Creatures vary

When do I need to pay the fee?

Payment in full for surgery + rabies vaccine is due at time of registration. You can choose additional optional services when you check-in on the date of the appointment, and the payment for those is due in cash at check-in, unless otherwise noted. The registration confirmation email will list the optional services available at the clinic you have registered for, and what the cost is for each.

What are the Payment Options?

You can pay via PayPal or with a Credit/Debit card at time of registration. There will be a card processing fee that we are only able to collect at time of check-in. It is $0.30 + 2.9%.

How Do I Cancel? Will I Get a Refund?

Call our phone line at 440-462-0008, MWF 9am to noon, Sat 9am to 11 am -OR- respond to the registration confirmation email.

If you cancel 8 days or more before your appointment date, you will get a 50% refund. If you cancel 7 days or less before your appointment date NO REFUND is given. We will attempt to reschedule you for the next transport, but there are no guarantees. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT YOU KEEP YOUR APPOINTMENT!!  The clinics we work with give us a certain number of slots and we are expected to fill those.

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

No. The transport van provides 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.

NOTE: some transports require hard plastic carriers. Refer to the registration confirmation email that is sent after you have registered.

Cardboard boxes of any kind and wire creates are not allowed on any transport.

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

Alter Clinic in Canton provide surgeries for rabbits. We do not provide transport. For more information, visit Alter Clinic's web page

Where can I find pre and post surgery instructions? 

The name of the clinics are listed for each date available for registration. If you don't remember the name of the clinic, refer to the registration confirmation email that was sent to you the same date you registered.

PetFix pre and post surgery instructions

I have read all the FAQs but still have questions. What should I do?

First, re-read the FAQs to make sure you haven't missed any info. If you still have questions, call (no texts!) Animal Welfare Center's phone line at 440-462-0008  MWF, 9am-noon and Sat 9am-11am. Don't wait to the last minute as our phone line is only open 4 times a week. If the phone line is closed and you have urgent questions, please email executivedirector@awcashtabula.org

 

Click on the Images to Begin Your Registration (dogs and cats are registered separately)