Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP)
Spay Neuter Assistance Program
Spaying or neutering your pet is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. Through our Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP), MEOW subsidizes the cost of feline spay and neuter surgeries for low-income Calgarians. To qualify, you must be 18 years of age and the legal owner of the cat(s). Before applying, please be advised that the veterinary clinics that MEOW partners with are extremely busy. Please be prepared for longer wait times for appointments and further travel distance for service.
4 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Cat
Spaying and neutering your pets is an essential part of being a responsible pet owner.
There are not enough homes for all cats born.
Fixed cats are happier, healthier and better pets.
Thousands of kittens and cats are put down in Calgary and around the world due to lack of space in shelters.
How it works
1. Complete an online SNAP application. Please note, we are only able to accept online applications.
2. Once received, our SNAP Coordinator will review your application. It may take 7-10 business days to process your application. Sometimes there are delays, so please be patient if you haven’t heard from us.
3. If your application is approved, our SNAP Coordinator will match you with one of our partner veterinary clinics. We will contact you with the cost and clinic details. It will be your responsibility to contact the clinic directly to book an appointment. We work with several clinics across Calgary, and appointment wait times may vary.
4. On the day of your appointment, take your cat to the vet clinic for surgery. In addition to spaying/neutering your cat, the vet will also provide your cat with permanent identification (microchip or tattoo).
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can my cat get spay or neutered?
Cats can be spayed or neutered as early as 12 weeks old as long as the kitten is no longer nursing, healthy and at least two pounds.
How much does SNAP cost?
SNAP fees are calculated based on financial need. Approved applicants pay a portion of the cost and SNAP pays the remainder of the fee to the vet clinic. The SNAP Coordinator will advise you of the charge(s) and vet clinic location by email once your application has been approved. You will pay for your portion of the costs at the vet clinic when you arrive with your cat. Vet clinics generally accept VISA, MasterCard, Debit or cash.
What is included?
An initial examination, the spay or neuter surgery, and mandatory permanent identification (i.e. microchip or tattoo).
Do I have to prove my income?
Proof of your income may be requested in some circumstances.
Do you provide transportation?
We do not offer transportation. You must transport your cat(s) to and from the vet clinic for their appointment.
Can I pick which vet clinic I go to?
No, but we make every effort to send you to a partner clinic close to your home.
Who books the appointment?
Once you receive your clinic information from SNAP, you can book the appointment to suit your schedule.
How long do I have to get the surgery done once my application is approved? What if I need more time?
The authorization period is usually 30 days, but may be longer depending on the clinic’s schedule. If you need more time, email the SNAP Coordinator to request an extension. If you are having multiple cats fixed, we recommend having the females spayed first.
What if I can’t make my appointment?
You must give the vet clinic a minimum of two business days’ notice to cancel or reschedule, or your authorization may be cancelled.
What if my cat is pregnant or just had kittens?
If your cat is pregnant, you can discuss this with your assigned vet clinic once your application is approved. We suggest you apply for the mother cat when kittens are about four weeks old; this is the best timing to get her spayed as soon as kittens are weaned.
Does my cat have to be vaccinated? Does the fee include vaccines or other items?
We accept cats with no vaccinations. Your fee does not include vaccines; any extra requests must be paid directly to the vet clinic and may require a separate appointment.
How many cats can I get spayed or neutered through SNAP?
There is no cap on the number of cats. Once you qualify for SNAP, all cats owned by you are eligible for subsidized surgery.
I have a litter of kittens to fix. Is there a discount for this? Is there a limit on how many cats I can get fixed?
We can provide an economical rate based on the information in your application. There is no limit, all your cats qualify, but they may not all be approved at the same time.
Adopt a Cat
If you’re looking for a new feline friend to add to your family, you’ve come to the right place. Our Cat-a-Logue features all of the cats and kittens in our care who are officially ready to be adopted.
Donate Financially
MEOW Foundation relies on the generosity of our donors to provide lifesaving care to cats in need. By making a financial donation, you will directly help fund our programs and support our mission. We gratefully accept all donations, and you will receive a tax receipt for any donation of $20 or more.
Get in Touch
Have questions or need assistance? Visit our Contact Page to get in touch with us directly—our team is here to help.