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Divisions/District Stations — Animal Services Division
Low Cost Neutering Program
For more information, contact the Animal Services Division at 240-773-5960. Recorded information and answers to frequently asked questions are available 24 hours a day at 240-773-5054.
The Animal Services Division, in cooperation with the Montgomery County Humane Society, Inc., the County Veterinary Medical Association, and individual veterinarians in Montgomery County, offer a low-cost neutering program open to all County residents.
Under this program, participating veterinarians have agreed to accept a standard lower fee for performing neutering surgery (spaying or altering) on dogs or cats. These veterinarians are NOT subsidized in any way for their participation in this program. They are doing this as a public service and in recognition of the importance of neutering family pets.
Why Neuter?
There are many good reasons for neutering the family pet. Neutered pets tend to live longer, healthier lives, and tend to be better behaved and calmer. The mess and bother of heat cycles is avoided. Neutering also reduces many undesirable behaviors such as aggression, roaming, "mounting" behavior, and urine marking. Studies have shown that dogs which are NOT neutered are three times more likely to bite someone. And finally, neutering your pet means that you will never contribute to the problem of pet overpopulation.
Many people who own purebred animals are under the misconception that simply because the animal is purebred, it is of breeding quality. This is a common myth. However, in reality, very few purebred animals are of breeding quality. Breeding quality purebreds have usually proven themselves in the show ring and in other tests, and are extensively evaluated for genetic flaws before being bred. The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports spaying and neutering of family dogs, including the concept of neutering animals as young as 8-16 weeks of age. The AKC states that breeding should only be done for the improvement of the breed and only when the produce of the breeding can be assured proper home and care.
How to participate in the low-cost neutering program
Call the Division at 240-773-5960 to have an application sent to you, or visit the County animal shelter to pick up an application. Fill it out and return it with the fee. You will be given a receipt showing that you have paid in full. Take that receipt to a participating veterinarian and give it to the veterinarian as payment for your pet's surgery.
Which veterinarians participate in the program?
Call the Montgomery County Humane Society at 240-773-5960 to find out which veterinarians in your area participate in the program.