BEAT THE HEAT! Here a Snip, There a Snip, Everywhere a VSNIP in Vermont!
The VT Spay Neuter Incentive Program (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. In seven years, one cat and all her offspring have the potential to multiply to 420,000 offspring! In the same situation, dogs have the potential to multiply to 62,000! We know that neutering animals helps combat overpopulation and poor animal health. VVSA started a statewide low cost spay/neuter program in 1984 with a single veterinarian office. Overtime, that grew to include over 30 participating offices. Knowing that our service needed to remain viable and sustainable for years to come, VVSA helped draft legislation in 1995 to create what is now known as VSNIP. 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. |