January 08, 2013
Pet Spay & Neuter Grants Now Available for 2013
Through "I'm Pet Friendly" license plates, Missourians will provide over $100,000 for animal shelters and rescue groups in five years
The Missouri Department of Agriculture now has grants for 2013 available to animal shelters, rescue groups and other non-profit organizations for spay and neuter services. This is the fifth year for the program and donations are expected to top $20,000 this year, raising the total contributions through the program to more than $100,000 since it was established in 2009.
The Pet Spay and Neuter Program helps animal shelters, humane societies and non-profit rescue groups with the costs of spaying and neutering animals. Last year, the Department was able to provide $20,000 for Missouri shelters and rescue groups through this program. Applications for 2013 grants are available now through the Feb. 15, 2013 deadline.
"The Pet Spay and Neuter program is one more example of our commitment to supporting the work of Missouri's animal shelters, rescues and non-profits," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "By focusing on animal shelters and low-cost spay neuter initiatives, including our charitable organizations, we are making a difference for animals, ensuring that as many dogs and cats as possible receive this veterinary care."
Copies of the required forms and instructions for preparing an application are available on the Missouri Department of Agriculture's website at mda.mo.gov.
The Pet Spay & Neuter program is funded through the sales of "I'm Pet Friendly" license plates through the Missouri Department of Revenue. Each sale of the plate donates $20 to the Missouri Pet Spay & Neuter Fund, which is administered by the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
The plates are available to Missouri residents making a donation to the program. You may obtain the "I'm Pet Friendly" license plates throughout the year at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) - a renewal notice is not necessary.
The 2012 recipients included the Perry Animal Welfare Society of Perry County, BARC of St. Louis County, Creative Communities, Inc. of Wayne County in southeast Missouri. In southwestern Missouri, Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP), Inc. and the Ava Area Animal Welfare League Jr. received grants. Karma's Black Dog Rescue of Kansas City, the Foundation for Animals in Risk of Sedalia, the St. Joseph Animal Control and Rescue, the City of Warrensburg Animal Shelter and the Independence Animal Shelter also received grants from the program this year.
Grants help each organization provide spay and neuter services to the animals they receive prior to making the animals available for adoption. Grant funds may also be used to assist low income pet owners who cannot afford these vital veterinary services.
For more information, please visit the Missouri Department of Agriculture online at mda.mo.gov.
Note: A video clip from a 2012 Pet Spay & Neuter Grant award presentation is available online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_FtSMkU33M&list=UUct5goAHVGcRCs-wU0T5NmA&index=8&feature=plcp.