WFSB Channel 3Spay neutering program kicks off state-wide

Spay neutering program kicks off state-wide

Dr. Gayle Block runs Town and Country Veterinary Associates in Vernon and she's also the president of the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association, which is behind Connecticut's Big Fix - a week-long push to spay and neuter pets whose owners can't afford it. 

Across the state, 50 veterinary practices are taking part in the program this week by donating their time and talents to low-income pet owners. 

Block says instead of paying the typical $200 for the procedure, they're only charging $20.12.  To be eligible, owners have to show either a state Department of Social Services identification card, be on Section 8 rental assistance or have a low-income voucher from the animal population control program.  

"I actually had one of the committee members forward me a comment about someone who couldn't have ever afforded to do this. I hope everybody feels that way," said Block.

Through the program, veterinarians hope to fix about 350 pets this week across the state.  They're done taking applicants for the year, but hope to make it an annual event.

"I think there is enormous need.  I think in this economy there is more need - and I don't think it will be hard to reach these numbers, unfortunately," Block said. 

Block's goal is to have 1,000 pets spayed and neutered in five years. She says failure to control the pet population will mean more unwanted dogs and cats roaming the streets or filling up shelters.

"There are still millions of dogs and cats in this country we can't find homes for," Block said.

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