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Spay/Neuter Assistance Program Report 2009

 The Northwest Animal Shelter Society implemented a Spay and Neuter Assistance Program, also referred to as the SNAP program in October 2005.  The program was developed through much research and contact with other animal welfare & management organizations.  The end result was the realization that while a shelter itself would provide refuge and support for homeless and abandoned animals, (which we need and will continue to works towards), the root of the issue to animal care & overpopulation management was addressing the core problem of spaying & neutering our pets.  In addition, to working on a physical shelter, the Society wanted to directly support animals and their owners in the Bulkley Valley and area.

 The SNAP program is designed to support limited income individuals & families, as well as area rescuers.  The expenses are based on 3 way equal participation from the pet owner, the veterinarian clinics and the NWASS.   To say the least, the participation of both the Bulkley Valley Vet Clinic and Babine Pet Hospital are crucial in the success of this program.

To date (October 2005-November 2009), the SNAP program has spayed 248 cats and neutered 145; spayed 96 dogs and neutered 76, to make a total of 565 animals that have been fixed on the Northwest Animal Shelter Society’s SNAP program. 

This year (2009) 183 dogs and cats have already been spayed or neutered through the SNAP Program.  While hard to fix a concrete number, literally hundreds of kittens and puppies have not been born to homelessness and neglect thanks solely to the SNAP program. 

 The NWASS portion of expenses from October 2005 to October 2009 is $26,067. 

The Animal Welfare Foundation of Ottawa recognized our program in 2006 with a grant of $1000, and the Kensington Foundation granted us $600 in 2007 and $750 in 2008.  Otherwise, ALL of these funds have been raised through the tireless efforts of our directors, volunteers and private donors, who are owed a huge thank you for their support for this great program. 

 Please consider the hard work that goes into this program and return the kindness by volunteering or spreading the word to your friends and family about responsible pet ownership and spay and neuter practices.  B. Cadden, Program Co-ordinator

2009 SNAP Year-to-Date Numbers

 HOW TO APPLY

1. Fill out an application at either of the two Smithers vets or

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A SNAP APPLICATION! 

2. Take the application to the vet of your choice. Be sure to fill out ALL of the required information.

Bulkley Valley Veterinary Clinic,  3155  Tatlow Rd, Smithers Phone:  847-4364               

Babine Pet Hospital, 3851 1^st Ave, Smithers  Phone:  847-8887

3. Someone from the NWASS will contact you by phone to let you know the status of your application. All applications are subject to our approval. Note: Just because you fill in an application does not mean that you will qualify.

4. If you are approved, arrangements/appointments need to be booked with the vet of your choice. Be sure to follow their instructions pre-surgery.

5. If we took the time to approve you, please take the time to complete the process and actually TAKE your animal to the vet to be fixed.

6. On the day of surgery, you need to be prepared to pay 1/3 of the TOTAL cost. 1/3 is billed to the NWASS, and the vets donate 1/3 of the portion. There is NO flat fee of $50.00 or any other amount. The total amount depends on factors such as dog or cat, the sex and weight of the animal and if there are any other health considerations as determined by the vet etc.

7. Congratulations! You are now the owner of a cat or dog that will not reproduce and bring other unwanted animals into the world. Thank you.

Who Qualifies?  SNAP Eligibility is based on low-income levels established by Statistics Canada and takes into account household income and number of dependants.  Proof of income assistance such as EI, disability pension, old age pension, a student, or otherwise low income will help us qualify you quicker. General income guidelines are listed below.  Please do not be discouraged if you don’t quite meet the requirements.  Submit an application anyway!  We may still be able to help. Applications must be approved by 2 NWASS board members so the applications need to be dropped of in advance of the animal coming for altering.  The applications must be brought to the vets prior to booking appt or bringing in animal.  Please allow 7 days for application to be processed and assessed.

New income Levels for SNAP (ADJUSTED NUMBERS FOR 2009)

 

                                    Household Size     Annual      Monthly     Weekly

                                            1 person         $18,000     $1500          $346

                                            2 people         $24,000      $2000         $462

                                            3 people         $30,000      $2500         $577

                                            4 people         $36,000      $3000         $692

                                            5 people         $42,000      $3500         $808

 

for each additional family member add:       $6000          $500           $115