Subsidized Vouchers

Spay/Neuter Assistance: Subsidized Vouchers

The demand on Animal Compassion Network’s Subsidized Voucher and Betty Fund Spay/Neuter Assistance Programs has almost tripled since January 2008. To ensure that the remainder of the available spay/neuter funding reaches the families and animals in greatest need, the ACN Board of Directors has decided to discontinue the Subsidized Voucher Program and funnel all spay/neuter resources into the Betty Fund Low-Income Spay/Neuter Assistance Program.

When ACN created the $35 Subsidized Voucher Program several years ago, the goal was to encourage more people to spay/neuter by giving them a significant discount on the cost of surgery, with ACN paying the difference in cost for them. For many years, this program, available to anyone in the public and requiring no proof of need, served as an effective incentive for all pet guardians to alter their pets.

However, since the passing of the local mandatory spay/neuter ordinances, the new laws have become an effective incentive for the public to alter their pets and the $35 Subsidized Voucher Program, while still a nice benefit for the public, is no longer a crucial program. With the demand for our financial assistance increasing at an accelerated rate, it is vital that we help the rapidly expanding low-income sector and their pets before we help those pet guardians who enjoy, but do not require, our financial aid.

Anyone needing financial assistance to offset the cost of surgery at the Humane Alliance Spay/Neuter Clinic is welcome to apply for Betty Fund assistance. They will be asked for a $25 co-pay, although no one in need will be turned away. Applicants may be asked to show proof of financial need to qualify for the low-income program.

Low-income pet guardians may apply for the Betty Fund Low-Income Assistance Program in person at Pet Harmony or by printing and completing the Betty Fund Application and mailing it to ACN’s Betty Fund, 803 Fairview Street, Asheville, NC 28803. You will need to include a check or money order for the $25 co-pay if you are mailing in your application unless prior arrangements have been made.

The general public is encouraged to contact the Humane Alliance directly at (828) 252-2079 to take advantage of their regular low-cost spay/neuter rates, as follows: