Grants fund spay/neuter program for at-risk pets

Animal Allies of Idaho has exhausted the $4,500 grant it received in November 2015 from the Bissell Pet Foundation by subsidizing spay and neuter costs for 48 cats and dogs through a collaboration with St. Vincent de Paul. The St. Vincent de Paul HELP Center in Coeur d’Alene issued Animal Allies vouchers for the procedures to their pet-owning clients who were responsible for a co-pay of $15 per cat and $25 per dog.

A $10,000 grant was awarded to the nonprofit Animal Allies by the Inland Northwest Community Foundation in January to continue the program. At an average voucher cost of $95 per pet, the INWCF grant is expected to subsidize spay and neuter costs for 105 pets over the next six to seven months.

“Our partnership with St. Vincent began a year and a half ago and has proven to be highly effective in reaching the cats and dogs most at-risk of becoming homeless or creating future homeless pets,” said Ronnee McGee, Animal Allies president and volunteer executive director. “Bissell and INWCF have made it possible for us to continue this essential service for pet owners who can least afford their pets’ medical expenses.”

Animal Allies’ objective is to prevent future homeless pets by making spay and neuter affordable. Voucher programs are funded entirely by donations, grants, and fundraising projects.

For more information, visit AnimalAlliesID.org or call (208) 930-0065.