​Vermont Spay Neuter Incentive  Program Returns to VVSA!

BEAT THE HEAT!  Here a Snip, There a Snip, Everywhere a VSNIP in Vermont!
 
The VT Spay Neuter Incentive Program aka "VSNIP" is under the administration of the VT Department for Children & Families, and administered by VT Volunteer Services for Animals Humane Society (VVSA).  VSNIP is a low cost spay neuter assistance program for those on a specific state program or whose income is at or below 185% of federal poverty level to help spay and neuter their cats and dogs.
The fact is that one cat and all her offspring, in seven years, has the potential to multiply to 420,000 offspring and dogs to 62,000! We know how important neutering an animal is to an overpopulation problem, and for the health of that animal who otherwise is more likely to develop certain forms of cancer later in life.
 
Our humane society, VVSA, started a statewide low cost spay/neuter program in 1984 with a single veterinarian office, that grew over time to have over 30 participating offices. Knowing that our service needed to remain viable and sustainable for years to come, VVSA helped draft legislation in 1995 creating what is now known as "VSNIP". In our first seven years as administrator, VVSA approved over 18,500 vouchers. First offered to the public in July 2006, VSNIP enables low income eligible households providing care for cats and dogs to utilize money received from a $4.00 fee that is added to the registration cost for dog licenses. This small fee goes into a designated fund allowing those eligible to have their animals neutered and vaccinated at a substantial reduced cost to them.
 
To obtain applications, one may go to VSNIP.VT.GOV to download and print an Application, and a list of Participating Veterinarians. Or if unable to print out a document, send a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE) to: VSNIP, PO Pox 104, Bridgewater, VT 05034. Forms can also be found at participating veterinary offices, social service agencies, humane societies, and town offices. Once completed, the application will be sent to the address above for consideration.
 
Based on the financial disclosure, the applicant will be approved or denied, and a voucher will be sent to the applicant. If approved, the applicant will proceed and schedule an appointment with one of VSNIP's participating veterinary offices. At the time of surgery, the client will provide the voucher and a co-payment of $27.00 per animal. If denied, they are provided with a list of low cost spay and neuter clinics held throughout the state. There is always a solution!
 
The voucher and co-payment represent payment in full for the services: the pre-surgical examination, surgery, anesthesia, peri-operative pain medication, discharge of the animal, removal of sutures, one series of distemper vaccinations and one rabies vaccination.
 
Euthanasia is no longer the solution to this once long existing problem of over population. The answer is public access to sterilization and the education of those who provide care for animals. We're happy to report that euthanasia as a routine means of population control has become a solution of the past. This is due to the understanding and efforts of veterinary offices across the state that worked for the last 10 years to neuter animals for those unable to afford this critical procedure through VSNIP.
 
The difference in the lives of thousands of animals and their care providers is measurable, helping assure that no cat or dog animal is euthanized for lack of space in a shelter or the inability to find a good home due to overpopulation. We thank our altruistic veterinarians for making this important program a reality!

​For inquiries, leave a detailed message with your name and telephone number at 1-802-672-5302. 

 This program is not intended to be used over and over, but is here to help stabilize the number of animals currently in your care, and is limited in its funding.

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'Skinny Minny' - Office Manager
"Thanks to VSNIP ~ I've been spayed, vaccinated and now have a care-free life!"

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Beloved 'Astor'
"Before VSNIP I went into heat constantly and I was miserable! Thank you, VSNIP, for enabling me to be spayed!!"

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