County residents offered $75 coupons in February to spay cats

SAN DIEGO COUNTY – In order to reduce the alarmingly large number of unwanted kittens, County Animal Services is offering residents $75 coupons to spay cats during the month of February.

“We can’t adopt ourselves out of this huge problem,” said Dawn Danielson, Director of the County Department of Animal Services. “There simply are not enough families looking to adopt a new cat or kitten. In February and March, cats as young as four to five months old go into heat, and when spring arrives so do the kittens. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors and personalities. They all have one thing in common. They are homeless.”

“The County will offer $75 spay coupons to help pay for the cost of spaying a female cat. Not only should residents take advantage of this offer by getting their kitty spayed, but they must spread the word to friends, relatives and neighbors.”

After February, the coupon is reduced to $50. Coupons are accepted by many veterinarians throughout the county or the Department will reimburse the cat’s owner $75 if they mail in the coupon with proof of spaying. The coupons are available to residents of the unincorporated areas of the County and the cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Solana Beach, San Diego and Santee.

In addition to the coupons, if residents visit County Animal Services at http://www.sddac.com, there is a list of veterinarians who will perform the surgery at a reduced cost to the client. If the coupon is combined with one of the listed veterinarians, the entire cost of the surgery may be met.

Coupons are funded through the County and the cities that contract with the County for animal control and sheltering services. The coupons are available, while supplies last, at the three County Animal Shelters, located in Mission Valley, Bonita or Carlsbad. Eligible residents may also obtain a coupon by calling Pet Assistance at (619) 544-1222 or the Spay-Neuter Action Project (SNAP) at (619) 525-3047.