Humane Society Offers Vouchers for Spay/Neuter

01:03PM / Tuesday, January 24, 2012

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Humane Society will be distributing vouchers for spay and neuter surgeries in honor of Prevent a Litter Month during February.  The program begins Feb. 1.

The vouchers are now funded from the Massachusetts Animal Coalition, which sells animal-friendly license plates to help cats, dogs and rabbits in Massachusetts. The

"With the $6,000 grant from the MAC, we can help twice as many people this year than we could before," said John Perreault, executive director of BHS. "In the past, we've helped over 3,000 families spay and neuter their pets and with the economy, more people than ever are coming to us for help."

According to the shelter's feline supervisor Cheryl Truskowski, overpopulation because of owners not spaying and neutering their animals is a huge problem. Getting a pet fixed not only prevents population increase, but it also lowers the animal's aggression levels and constant peeing and marking of territory.

Eligible pet owners can come to the shelter at 214 Barker Road or to the Purradise cat adoption center at 301 Stockbridge Road in Great Barrington during normal business hours. The only requirement to receive a voucher is an ID, such as a valid driver's license, and proof of residence in Berkshire County. Pet owners are responsible for making the surgery appointment at a participating veterinary hospital, and must pay the balance of the cost of surgery after the voucher has been applied.

The vouchers have no cash value, with BHS reimbursing the veterinary hospitals directly for the surgery: $60 toward a feline spay or neuter surgery and $75 for a canine surgery. The vouchers are helpful to pet owners who cannot afford to spay and neuter their cats and dogs and are available on a first-come basis until the funds are gone.

For more information on Prevent a Litter Month, vouchers or the shelter's hours, call the Berkshire Humane Society at 413-447-7878 or visit www.berkshirehumane.org or Facebook.