SNAP: Spay-Neuter Assistance Program

SNAP Registration:  Friday, October 6, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

 The Humane Society of Wilkes has a spay/neuter assistance program to help residents of Wilkes County! We can issue a “voucher” to eligible Wilkes County residents for a reduced-cost spay or neuter of your pet(s) at two local veterinary hospitals. Vouchers are available for cats and dogs that will be about 6 months or older at the time of surgery.

Spay/neuter vouchers cost $50 for dogs and $35 for cats for Wilkes County, NC, residents 18 years or older who qualify for Medicaid or whose annual household income is at or under $25,000/year. Plan to pay the HSOW this amount, per pet, when you get your voucher in cash (exact change) or by check.

Wilkes Veterinary Hospital will accept vouchers from current and new clients; please be sure to tell them you plan to use a SNAP voucher when you make your appointment. Wilkes Veterinary Hospital requires a pre-surgery wellness visit for new clients (approx. $60), during which they will make the spay/neuter appointment for your pet. Bring the form from the wellness visit when you come to get a voucher.

Riverview Animal Hospital will accept vouchers as a coupon covering most but not all of the cost of the surgery. Please tell them you plan to use a SNAP voucher when you make your appointment. Pets without a rabies vaccination will be given one at the time of surgery at an additional charge.

Animal Ark-Elkin and Animal Hospital of Wilkes are currently not taking SNAP vouchers.

Vouchers should be obtained no more than 45 business days before the surgery appointment. If you cannot come to the registration event, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange another time to meet. 

SNAP Registration Events:

SNAP registration is usually on the first Friday of each month from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m Check the events calendar for dates.

To get a SNAP voucher:

1. You should get your pet's surgery appointment at one of the participating vets, be sure they know you plan to use a SNAP voucher.

2. You must be a Wilkes County resident and be 18 years old or older (bring ID).

3. You must bring proof of income in the form of a Medicaid card or a copy of your last tax return showing an annual income of under $25,000.

4. Please bring payment of  $35 per cat and $50 per dog in cash (exact change) or check.

5. You may purchase two vouchers per person per registration event, toward a limit of six cats and two dogs per year.

Pets must have a current rabies certificate or receive a rabies vaccine at the time of surgery for additional cost. There are some other conditions that may result in a higher cost for surgery, including a female in heat or pregnant or a male with cryptorchidism (undescended testicles). Pain medication is not included in  the cost of the voucher.

Residents requesting SNAP vouchers for feral cats will not be held to income requirements, but will have to pay about $25 for a rabies vaccine and ear tipping, in addition to the cost of the voucher, per cat.

Contact Us with Questions:

Health Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

Spayed animals no longer feel the need to roam to look for a mate. The result is that they stay home and have less chance of being involved in traumatic accidents such as being hit by a car. They also have a much lower incidence of contracting contagious diseases, and get into fewer fights.

In males, neutering decreases the chances of developing prostatic disease and hernias, and eliminates the chances of developing testicular cancer. It also reduces problems with territorial and sexual aggression, inappropriate urination, and other undesirable male behaviors.

In females, spaying decreases the incidence of breast cancer (the rate goes down to almost zero if the spaying is done before the first heat cycle). It eliminates the chance of developing a serious and potentially fatal infection of the uterus experienced by many unspayed females. Spaying also eliminates the heat cycle and associated undesirable behaviors, and the attraction of all available males to your yard.

The simple fact is that spaying and neutering greatly increases the lifespan of your pet and increases quality of life as well.

Source: ASPCA

Six Common Excuses for Not Spaying or Neutering Pets

1. My pet will get fat and lazy.

Neutering or spaying may diminish your pet's overall activity level by reducing his or her natural tendency to wander. Pets that become fat and lazy after being altered usually are overfed and do not get enough exercise.

2. We want another pet just like Rover and Fluffy.

Even breeding purebred animals rarely results in offspring that are exactly like one of the parents. With mixed breeds, it is virtually impossible to have offspring that are exactly like one of the parents.

3. My pet's personality will change.

Any change will be for the better. After being altered, your pet will be less aggressive toward other dogs and cats, have a better personality, and will be less likely to wander. Spraying, which is often done by dogs and cats to mark their territory, diminishes after pets are altered.

4. We can sell the puppies or kittens and make money.

Breeders are fortunate if they break even on the raising purebred litters. The cost of raising a litter, which includes vaccinations, other health care costs, and feeding a quality food, consumes most of the "profit".

5. My children should witness our pet giving birth.

Pets often have their litters in the middle of the night or in a place of their own choosing. Because pets need privacy when giving birth, any unnecessary intrusion can cause the mother to become seriously upset, and may result in her not caring for the offspring.

6. I am worried about my pet undergoing anesthesia.

This is a very common concern of owners. Although there is always a slight risk involved, anesthetics currently used by veterinarians are very safe. The medical benefits of having your pet spayed or neutered far outweigh the slight risk involved with undergoing anesthesia. Consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about this aspect of the surgery.

Source: Brown University, Canine Behavior Program