Sioux Falls SNIP Aims To Help Families Spay or Neuter Pets

Jan. 18, 2010 - PRLog -- Families that have been wanting to have their pet spayed or neutered, but have been unable to afford it can now turn to Sioux Falls SNIP for assistance. The Sioux Falls Spay Neuter Incentive Program is a partnership between Almost Home Canine Rescue of Madison and the South Dakota Coalition for Companion Animals.

Julie Lavin, of Almost Home, has been successfully directing a spay/neuter assistance program in the Madison area since 2005. Using an application process they have been able to identify and help pet owning families in low income situations.

While working in rescue Lavin, has seen the number of pets that are surrendered to shelters and rescues each year increase.

"We will never adopt our way out of the pet overpopulation.  The only way we will ever reduce the number of unwanted cats and dogs is to spay and neuter our pets." Lavin says.

SDCCA Vice President Tanya Beckman sees the program as an opportunity for pet owners, and a benefit to the city.

"SNIP will be a progressive program for pet owners in the Sioux Falls community who want to do the responsible and healthy choice for their cat or dog, but may be financially struggling. Because of this, SNIP will aid in pet ownership retention which will, in the long run reduce the weight of intake at local animal shelters." Beckman says.

Owners interested in applying for assistance can visit the SDCCA website, http://www.sdcca.net to print applications. They may also visit Your Pet Stop at 501 E. 41st St., or attend the "Man's Best Friend" exhibit opening on Saturday, January 23rd at the Old Courthouse Museum to pick up applications.

Almost Home is accepting donations to help fund this effort. Also Almost Home hopes to win the current Animal Rescue Site Shelter Challenge contest. Almost Home has pledged to donate any winnings to Sioux Falls SNIP. Supporters can vote daily for Almost Home until April 2010.

"With the support of the public, and business' like Your Pet Stop, a program like this will be a huge benefit to pets and owners alike in our area." say Jennifer McNamara, SDCCA President. "We look forward to watching it continue to grow."

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South Dakota Coalition for Companion Animals was formed to give pet owners, and animal advocates a common place to work together to build a better community for the animals they love. http://www.sdcca.net