Targeted Program Allows Income-Qualified Pet Owners to Spay/Neuter Large Dogs for $10
INDIANAPOLIS –In an effort to reduce the number of large dogs entering local shelters, Pet Friendly Services of Indiana has launched the “Pit Mix Fix” pilot program for owners of large dogs in the 46221 and 46421 zip codes on Indianapolis’ Near West Side. Limited-income pet owners will be able to purchase a spay/neuter voucher for “Pit Mix” dogs (or dogs over 50 pounds) for just $10 from Pet Friendly Services’ Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP).
Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS) and many other municipal shelters around the state are currently at or above capacity. Large dogs are notoriously difficult to find homes for due to their size, strength, and additional care requirements. At no fault of their own, pit mixes and other large dogs are at the greatest risk of euthanasia upon entering a shelter. Compounding the problem is that pit-mix dogs can have very large litters, often having more than 10 puppies at a time.
“We’ve come across people that adore their dogs and love them unconditionally,” said Cheri Storms, Executive Director of Pet Friendly Services. “Unfortunately, the cost of a spay/neuter can be out of reach for some families, and accidental litters occur. This ads to an already over-burdened shelter system and more adoptable pets being euthanized. Spay/neuter is the only humane way to prevent this from happening.”
While limited in scope as a pilot program, Pet Friendly Services will expand the program as budgeting allows. Individuals or companies interested in sponsoring the expansion of the program should contact Rhiannon Johns at Rhi@PetFriendlyServices.org.
To find out if you qualify for the Pit Mix Fix and to apply for a spay/neuter voucher, visit Pet Friendly Services’ website (https://petfriendlyservices.org/spay-neuter-services/pit-mix-fix-pilot-program/).
If you’re interested in adopting a dog or cat from a shelter, but aren’t sure where to start, Pet Friendly Services has released the “Pet Friendly Adoption Guide” as a resource for interested pet-parents. The guide provides answers to common questions as well as a list of over 300 shelter and rescue groups across Indiana. Visit www.AdoptINpets.org to learn more.
Pet Friendly Services of Indiana is a statewide animal welfare organization whose mission is to eliminate the euthanasia of adoptable cats and dogs through financial assistance, education, and advocacy. Our small team stretches our dollars to serve as many animals as possible and to make permanent changes to benefit cats, dogs, and the people who love them. Since 1971, we have funded over 190,000 spay/neuter surgeries, with over 13,000 in 2021 alone. Pet Friendly Services receives no government funding and relies on donors, grants, fundraising and funds from the #4 best-selling Pet Friendly Specialty License Plate. www.PetFriendlyServices.org
