The Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road in Waterville, has teamed up with five local veterinarians to launch a wide-reaching community spay-neuter voucher program for residents in financial need, across 24 towns. This opportunity is made possible through the Belvedere Animal Welfare Fund funded by the Maine Community Foundation.

How the program works: Vouchers for feline spay-neuter assistance will be given out at the Humane Society Waterville Area on a first-come, first-served basis to those who qualify.

The spay-neuter vouchers are worth $50 and can be applied towards the overall cost of the surgery at a participating veterinarian office. Some participating veterinarians will provide the community with discounted rates. Pet owners requesting a voucher must live in one of the following towns: Albion, Belgrade, Benton, Burnham, Canaan, Clinton, Detroit, Dixmont, Fairfield, Freedom, Hinckley, Knox, Mercer, Oakland, Palmyra, Pittsfield, Shawmut, Sidney, Thorndike, Troy, Unity, Waldo, Waterville or Winslow.

Proof of address and proof of income must be provided. Proof of both can include a letter with your name and address on it, a valid driver’s license and/or a state ID in addition to a recent pay stub and/or a state assistance letter.

Those seeking a voucher will need to show proof of income per the following income bracket (annual): $12,140 for an individual, $16,460 for a family of two, $20,780 for a family of three, $25,100 for a family of four, $29,420 for a family of five, $33,740 for a family of six, $38,060 for a family of seven, $42,380 for a family of eight.

Participating veterinarians will be listed on the voucher and include Dr. Paul Wade of the Cat Hospital in Manchester, Dr. Elizabeth Stone of the Community Spay Neuter Clinic in Topsham, Dr. Russell Danner of New England Animal Hospital in Waterville, Dr. Paul Balboni of Animal Hospital of Waterville in Waterville and Dr. Matt Townsend of Hometown Veterinary Care in Fairfield. Participants should only contact HSWA for program details, prior to securing a voucher.

For more information, call the society at 873-2430.

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