PetStyle

Most pet owners know about the benefits of having their dogs spayed or neutered. Besides providing a great way to help control the pet over population problem, these relatively minor surgical procedures also offer a host of health benefits for the dogs themselves ranging from cancer prevention to behavioral issues.

While most dog owners would love to be able to say they've helped prevent cancer, aggressive behavior or other undesirable problems with their favorite animals, the reality is not everyone can afford to do so. Between finances and issues of getting time off from work to pick up and drop off an animal at the vet, it's a simple fact that time and money are the biggest impediments most people cite for not having their dogs sterilized.

As the reasons for people's reluctance become more evident to government agencies, humane societies and other animal control organizations, more and more programs are springing up to help dog owners get their animals sterilized. Most organizations operate low-cost programs using volunteer, licensed veterinarians, but some have full-time paid staff. A few agencies in America even provide drop off and pick up service for people who find the transportation issue impossible to overcome.

What is available will depend on the agencies within one's own community, but the possibilities can include:

• Surgical vouchers. Some government agencies offer low-cost spay or neuter vouchers for residents to use to have their intact dogs sterilized at local veterinary offices. Whether these allow for a price reduction in the cost of surgery or a reduction in the tag and licensing fee might vary. Eligibility requirements also tend to vary.
• Clinics. Many metropolitan areas are creating low-cost spay and neuter clinics of dogs and cats. Whether they run once a week, once a month or once a quarter, these tend to be very good outlets for the cost conscious to obtain the surgical procedures for their dogs. The eligibility requirements might vary from site to site.
• Veterinarian offices. Some veterinarians themselves offer low-cost spay and neuter procedures onsite for their clients who cannot to pay full price. The availability of this will depend on the vets in the area.
• Pet shops. Some pet stores offer low-cost spay/neuter days with visiting medical trucks parked at their locations. These are generally open to anyone, but tend to require set appointments.

Anyone looking to find out information on affordable spay/neuter programs in their area can check in the following places:

• Animal control. Most animal control offices tend to have information on the programs available in the area for animal sterilization. Sometimes, too, these locations offer clinics themselves to help residents ensure their pets are sterilized and healthy.
• Humane societies. Any nonprofit organization that deals with unwanted pets is worth a call when low-cost spay/neuter programs are needed.
• Veterinarian offices. Most vets know when and where these programs take place.
• Pet shops. These locations are generally great sources of information for everything from agility classes to clinics.

Most dog owners are aware of the benefits of getting their animals spayed or neutered. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford the time and money that might be involved in the process. Fortunately, these great options can make the procedure both time- and cost-effective for the budget-conscious pet owner.

By Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies - the place to find large breed dog beds online