Please review the following information BEFORE completing the VSNIP application. Contact us at 802-672-5302 to leave a detailed message. The purpose of VSNIP is to reduce the overpopulation of companion animals by assisting income-eligible Vermonters with certain costs associated with spay and neutering. This is a discretionary public benefit program that is limited in its resources.
Q: What is VSNIP?
A: VSNIP is a state-assisted program that helps eligible Vermonters with low-cost spay and neuter for cats and dogs. VSNIP is 100% funded by a state surcharge on dog registrations.
Q: How do I qualify for VSNIP?
A: Eligible applicants must reside in Vermont, qualify based on your public benefits or household income, and have acquired your animal for free or for a nominal fee.
Q: What do I send as proof of receiving benefits?
A: You must show proof that you are receiving benefits from one of the listed state programs or qualify by your household income. Proof should be a dated copy of a statement of benefits (within the past 60 days), and must be returned with the completed application. The copy you send in will not be returned to you.
Q: How do I get an application?
A: An application can be downloaded or requested by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
VSNIP
P.O. Box 104
Bridgewater, VT 05034
Q: How many animals can I have spayed or neutered under VSNIP?
A: It is recommended that you have all dogs and cats in your care spayed/neutered at this time. VSNIP is not intended to be used repeatedly. Requests for more than five (5) animals in a year require special approval. The intended approach to VSNIP is to reduce the over-population problem that forces euthanasia of healthy animals yearly.
Q: What help is available?
A: Eligible Vermonters get vouchers that allow them to have their dogs and cat spayed or neutered for a co-pay of $27 per animal.
Q: What happens next after I have sent along an application with a self-addressed envelope?
A: If you are approved, we will send your voucher(s) to your mailing address using the self-addressed envelope sent to us with your applications. Vouchers must be used within 60 days. Once you receive your voucher(s), schedule the surgery with a participating vet right away.
Q: What happens if my application is denied?
A: If your application is denied, you may request a Variance by calling VVSA at 1-802-672-5302, and seek approval as an exception to the Rule in writing to the State.
Q: When will I pay the $27 per animal co-pay?
A: The $27 co-pay should be provided on the morning of the animal's procedure or at the pre-exam (if required).
Q: What does my $27 co-pay cover?
A: The co-pay covers the pre-surgical exam (regardless of when it is performed), surgery, anesthesia, pain medication administered during the surgery, removal of sutures, overnight stay if indicated, one distemper vaccine series and one rabies vaccination. Discuss any optional procedures vs. what is included before you leave the office.
Q. What does my co-payment not cover?
A: The co-payment does not cover the costs of additional items that may be recommended or charged due to ‘complications of surgery’. Examples include but are not limited to: if an animal is in heat or pregnant, repair of hernias, pyometra and treatment of fleas & ticks. Please ask your veterinarian about these possible charges prior to surgery.
Complications that may arise after surgery are not covered through VSNIP. Examples include but are not limited to infection, incision repair; sutures chewed out or removed prematurely in any way. The treatment of fleas are not included in this co-payment and offices will charge you if your animal has fleas.
Q. Is any additional take-home pain medication following the surgery an extra fee?
A: Yes. There are several types of pain relief medication and the costs vary. Discuss this very important option before leaving the vet office.
Q. Do all veterinarians perform surgery on puppies and kittens under 6 months of age?
A: No. Please check with your veterinarian before applying since vouchers are only valid for 60 days.
Q: Where can I get more info?
A: For more info, call VVSA at 1-802-672-5302 to leave a detailed message or if you have more questions. Visit www.vsnip.vt.gov to see the income guidelines.
Q: What is VSNIP?
A: VSNIP is a state-assisted program that helps eligible Vermonters with low-cost spay and neuter for cats and dogs. VSNIP is 100% funded by a state surcharge on dog registrations.
Q: How do I qualify for VSNIP?
A: Eligible applicants must reside in Vermont, qualify based on your public benefits or household income, and have acquired your animal for free or for a nominal fee.
Q: What do I send as proof of receiving benefits?
A: You must show proof that you are receiving benefits from one of the listed state programs or qualify by your household income. Proof should be a dated copy of a statement of benefits (within the past 60 days), and must be returned with the completed application. The copy you send in will not be returned to you.
Q: How do I get an application?
A: An application can be downloaded or requested by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
VSNIP
P.O. Box 104
Bridgewater, VT 05034
Q: How many animals can I have spayed or neutered under VSNIP?
A: It is recommended that you have all dogs and cats in your care spayed/neutered at this time. VSNIP is not intended to be used repeatedly. Requests for more than five (5) animals in a year require special approval. The intended approach to VSNIP is to reduce the over-population problem that forces euthanasia of healthy animals yearly.
Q: What help is available?
A: Eligible Vermonters get vouchers that allow them to have their dogs and cat spayed or neutered for a co-pay of $27 per animal.
Q: What happens next after I have sent along an application with a self-addressed envelope?
A: If you are approved, we will send your voucher(s) to your mailing address using the self-addressed envelope sent to us with your applications. Vouchers must be used within 60 days. Once you receive your voucher(s), schedule the surgery with a participating vet right away.
Q: What happens if my application is denied?
A: If your application is denied, you may request a Variance by calling VVSA at 1-802-672-5302, and seek approval as an exception to the Rule in writing to the State.
Q: When will I pay the $27 per animal co-pay?
A: The $27 co-pay should be provided on the morning of the animal's procedure or at the pre-exam (if required).
Q: What does my $27 co-pay cover?
A: The co-pay covers the pre-surgical exam (regardless of when it is performed), surgery, anesthesia, pain medication administered during the surgery, removal of sutures, overnight stay if indicated, one distemper vaccine series and one rabies vaccination. Discuss any optional procedures vs. what is included before you leave the office.
Q. What does my co-payment not cover?
A: The co-payment does not cover the costs of additional items that may be recommended or charged due to ‘complications of surgery’. Examples include but are not limited to: if an animal is in heat or pregnant, repair of hernias, pyometra and treatment of fleas & ticks. Please ask your veterinarian about these possible charges prior to surgery.
Complications that may arise after surgery are not covered through VSNIP. Examples include but are not limited to infection, incision repair; sutures chewed out or removed prematurely in any way. The treatment of fleas are not included in this co-payment and offices will charge you if your animal has fleas.
Q. Is any additional take-home pain medication following the surgery an extra fee?
A: Yes. There are several types of pain relief medication and the costs vary. Discuss this very important option before leaving the vet office.
Q. Do all veterinarians perform surgery on puppies and kittens under 6 months of age?
A: No. Please check with your veterinarian before applying since vouchers are only valid for 60 days.
Q: Where can I get more info?
A: For more info, call VVSA at 1-802-672-5302 to leave a detailed message or if you have more questions. Visit www.vsnip.vt.gov to see the income guidelines.