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| | | VSNIP Program Offers Low Cost Spay/Neuter The Vermont Spay Neuter Incentive Program (VSNIP) enables income eligible residents to receive financial assistance to have their animals neutered and vaccinated. A yearly $3.00 charge to the registration fee for dog licenses supports this program. This modest increase creates a designated fund allowing those on social assistance programs, such as SSI, Food Stamps, Section 8, Medicaid, etc., to obtain financial assistance for these important procedures. The associated costs for vaccinations and surgery are reduced at the participating offices, and the fees are paid to the veterinarians through the designated fund. Clients are responsible for a $25.00 co-payment for each animal. To date, over eighty-one offices have joined this visionary program, representing the majority of veterinarians that provide care for companion animals. Vermont has a surplus animal population that forces the euthanasia of otherwise healthy, adoptable companion animals. Recognizing that the price of sterilization surgery is cost prohibitive for low-income households, a legislative solution was sought. A plan similar to the successful assistance program in New Hampshire, in which humane shelters recognized a 75% drop in their euthanasia rate after ten years of their state assistance program's operation, was drafted in Vermont. It passed the legislature with overwhelming support from humane societies, veterinarians, and voters. VSNIP began servicing the public in May of 2006. VSNIP is under the directive of the VT Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets and administered by VT Volunteer Services for Animals Humane Society. To receive applications for assistance, send a Self Addressed, Stamped .63-cent Envelope (SASE) to VSNIP, PO Box 100, Bridgewater, VT 05034 for each animal. |