CATS CAN HAVE UP TO THREE LITTERS A YEAR. DOGS CAN HAVE UP TO TWO. THIS LEADS TO THOUSANDS OF UNWANTED, HOMELESS, SUFFERING CATS AND DOGS IN OUR PROVINCE. WE ARE COMMITTED TO REDUCING THIS PROBLEM BY OFFERING OUR SPAY AND NEUTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) TO THOSE THAT NEED IT.
Our SNAP program for April 17, 2024 has filled. Please monitor our website and social media pages for updates on our next session dates. Thank you for your interest in our program.
- Single-Income Households : $25,000 or less per year
- Double-Income Households (Family) : $40,000 or less per year
Please review the application process below to ensure that your application can be processed in a timely manner.
The application process:
- Fill out our online application form or call our shelter main line at 709-726-0301, ext. 101 at the time the application is open to have an application completed over the phone. You MUST then email, fax, or bring in a copy of your proof of income within 24 hours of completing your application. You will NOT be approved for this program without a proof of income on file.
Once your information is received it will be reviewed. This can take 3 – 5 business days to review applications. Once your are approved, you will receive an email to confirm your acceptance into the program. Please ensure you check your junk mail as sometimes the email will go to that folder.- You will be given a deadline date to make your payment in your approval letter. You payment can be made (over the phone or online – the link will be provided).
- Once your payment is received, we will schedule a surgery date for your pet during the session period. We will only contact you one week before your pets surgery date to confirm their appointment via email/phone. (We will be booking surgery dates for Mid May to August, 2024). We allocate spots as soon as payments come in, therefore, should you make a payment closer to the payment deadline date, your pets surgery date may be booked later in the session.
- Bring your pet in for their surgery…and go home with a happier, healthier pet!
Questions? Email snapspca@spcastjohns.org or call (709) 726-0301 ext. 105
Spay & Neuter Assistance Program Fees
- Cat neuter (male): $100
- Cat spay (female): $180
- Dog neuter (male): $140
- Dog spay (female): $220 (less than 20 kg), $300 (20 kg-40 kg), $380 (40 kg+)
Additional Services
- Your pet can be microchipped for $25 extra.
- What is a Microchip? A microchip is a very small capsule, about the size of a grain of rice, that contains a computer chip which stores a unique number used to identify animals when they are scanned by your veterinarian or animal shelter should they be lost and brought into a vet clinic or shelter. The number stored in each microchip is unique to each animal, non-alterable and, will last the lifetime of your pet.
Frequently AskeD Questions:
Where do your spay & neuter surgeries take place?
At Avalon Animal Hospital (556 Logy Bay Road). However, we handle all bookings and inquires at the shelter. Please do not contact Avalon Animal Hospital for questions regarding the SNAP Program. Contact the SNAP Program Coordinator : Email snapspca@spcastjohns.org or call (709) 726-0301 ext. 105
Who qualifies for your program?
Our program is geared towards pet owners who are:
- in financial difficulty, or
- who are in a situation where their needs or their pet’s basic needs are compromised as a result of their pet not being spayed/neutered
I live in St. John’s. Can I apply for your program?
Yes. However, the City of St. John’s has a municipal spay and neuter assistance program. Due to the overwhelming demand for SPCA St. John’s program placements, all Residents of the City of St. John’s are asked to first contact the St. John’s municipally-funded program
I live elsewhere in the Province. Can I apply for your program?
We only have a set number of surgery spaces per year, so we’re only able to assist pet guardians on the Avalon at this time. Please contact your nearest SPCA or Humane Services department to see what assistance is available in your area.
What does my SNAP fee include?
- a basic pre-surgical exam to determine that your pet can safely undergo surgery
- spay/neuter surgery
- anesthetic
- post-surgical medication
- aftercare instructions
What does my SNAP fee not include?
SNAP does not cover bloodwork and intravenous (IV) fluids. We are unable to offer these services through this program. If you wish for your pet to have these services, please have your surgery performed through your regular veterinarian instead.
How old must an animal be to go through SNAP?
Cats and dogs must be a minimum of 6 months old to go through SNAP. We will NOT approve an application if the animal you’re applying for is less than 5 months old.
Cats and dogs over 7 years old are considered senior animals. They may require additional care, in which case they may not qualify for this program.
Animals which require additional medical care if applying for SNAP?
- Cryptorchid males (cats and dogs with only one descended testicle) These pets can still be spay/neutered, however, additional surgery fees would apply.
- Certain breeds of animals that are prone to medical complications during surgery. such as respiratory issues due to shorter or flat nasal areas, which require different anesthesia which additional fees would apply.
Which animals cannot go through SNAP?
Animals that require additional medical care that is beyond the scope of this program. These include:
- Dogs in heat (surgery must be booked for 8 weeks following the last day of a heat)
- Pregnant dogs
- Animals that are ill or injured
