LA Animal Services Reinstates a Portion of the Voucher Program

Los Angeles – On March 10th LA Animal Services temporarily suspended distribution of spay/neuter vouchers due to a concern that increased demand was exceeding available funding. After a review of the program with several City Council offices and the Mayor’s office, the Department developed a plan to restore distribution in a manner we believe is fiscally prudent, sustainable and consistent with the most pressing community needs and the City Council’s guidance when it approved the landmark Spay/Neuter Ordinance in February 2008.

As of today the Department is reinstating distribution of the $70 certificate for qualified low income residents (based on HUD Very Low Income level of $30,300 annual income per household as mandated in the Municipal Code) and to senior and disabled residents also meeting the Very Low Income Level. Strengthened procedures are in place for Department staff to verify low income status when issuing coupons to ensure they are going to qualified pet owners.

Qualified residents can pick up a certificate at any LA City Animal Care Center. More information on program requirements can be found at:

http://www.lacity.org/ANI/serv_bigfix.htm

The Amanda Foundation Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic will continue free services for qualified low income residents. There was no suspension in these services. Information regarding the Amanda clinic’s visits to LA neighborhoods is available at: http://www.lacity.org/ANI/events_schedule.htm

http://laanimalservices.com/PDF/pressrelease/2009/Press%20Release%20-%20Reinstate%20$70%20Voucher%20Program.pdf