OPIN’s SNIP Program (Spay Neuter Incentive for Pets)

For cats and dogs:

Note: While we wish we could help every pet across the tri-state area, but currently, this low-income subsidy program is only open to Connecticut residents living in: Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, New Canaan and Norwalk. You will be asked to provide proof of residency with a photo I.D. as well as financial need such as employment and annual income information (CT State Aid letter or income tax documentation).

With millions of pets euthanized each year due to overpopulation, sterilizing your pet is the healthy, honorable, responsible choice.

OPIN wants to help all pet parents keep their loved ones safe and healthy. Realizing the high cost of veterinary spay/neuter services, our SNIP program was created to provide essential services for a low co-pay cost to qualifying low income pet parents. The co-pay OPIN asks for is especially low for pit bulls, pit mixes and cats. Other dog breeds may require a greater co-pay amount.

Qualifying pet parents are eligible to receive for the following services on a sliding-scale basis:

basic spay/neuter surgery (includes anesthesia and pain medication) – see below*
vaccines (rabies & distemper/parvo (dogs) and rabies & distemper/FVRCP (cats)
a HomeAgain microchip (includes FREE lifetime enrollment in HomeAgain’s database)
cats also receive a quick exam, a nail trim and an e-collar to go home with

Note: If the pet parent requests other vaccines or services (other than above), such as bordatella or lyme vaccines or items such as nail trim for dogs, heartworm, SNAP or fecal tests, these are extra and paid for by you in addition to your basic co-pay.

*OPIN provides the basic spay/neuter surgery, but if your pet: is in heat, is pregnant, requires open pyometra medication, needs crypt orchid surgery or hernia surgery, there will be a supplemental charge for this in addition to your co-pay.

If your pet is in need of spaying/neutering, vaccinating, and/or microchipping, please fill out our Application for Low Cost Services here.

We'll get back to you to discuss which level of assistance you qualify for. Sorry, this program is not available to rescue organizations, shelters or foster homes.

Other resources:

You May Qualify for FREE Spay/Neutering and Vaccinations through the Connecticut APCP Low Cost program.

If you currently receive Connecticut State aid such as Husky, Medicaid, SNAP, etc., you may qualify for FREE spay/neutering and vaccinations through the Low Income Voucher Program which is the state of Connecticut's Animal Population Control Program. Qualifying applicants can receive up to two (2) ‘APCP vouchers’ per year for cats or dogs. Once vouchers are received, you have 60 days to use them before expiration so it is important to make a vet appointment as soon as you receive your voucher(s).

Vouchers are presented to the veterinarian office at time of sterilization. CT State applications are submitted online and are very limited and available only during a designated time of the year. Check often to find when the window of opportunity is available here. For more information call the CT State Dept. of Agriculture, APCP program at: (860) 713-2507

Once submitted, it can take up to 4 weeks for a reply from the State. The voucher has a value which the vet is reimbursed for by the state. You are allowed 2 vouchers per household, per fiscal year. Participating Veterinarians can be found here.

Veterinarians receive reimbursement from the State of CT equal to the value of the voucher, therefore, some vet clinics may add a fee to the value of the APCP voucher. Others will accept the voucher as full payment as long as it has not expired. Please be sure to ask about this fee when calling the participating vet and making your appointment. The voucher can only be redeemed at participating vet practices.

Here are some other low cost spay/neuter programs in CT you might want to consider:

Protectors of Animals – located in East Hartford, please call #860-206-7922; appointments can be requested online at: www.poaspay.org Check prices on their website - they are very affordable.
Nutmeg Spay Neuter Clinic – located in Stratford, CT, please call #203-690-1550 www.nutmegclinic.org Prices and instructions to book your appointment online can be found on their website. Plan ahead as slots fill quickly, sometimes a few months in advance.

Thank you in advance for doing what is best for your pet by spaying/neutering. There are too many pets in need of homes, therefore preventing any more pregnancies is the first solution to helping the situation; plus health-wise, it is the best option for your pet to live a long and healthy life.

Low Cost Spay/ Neuter

Subsidized Spay/Neuter

OPIN’s SNIP Program (Spay Neuter Incentive for Pets)

For cats and dogs:

Other resources:

You May Qualify for FREE Spay/Neutering and Vaccinations through the Connecticut APCP Low Cost program.

OPIN - Outreach to Pets in Need