Nevada County’s Community Spay and Neuter Program assisted 343 cats and dogs during its first year, making veterinary care more accessible for pet owners while helping address animal overpopulation.
The Board of Supervisors approved $75,000 for the pilot program, which is now in its second year. The goal is to support residents who are unable to cover the costs of the procedures, which run $300-$900 depending on size, sex, age and other factors. The County spent $218 per procedure through partnerships with nonprofits SNIP, Animal Save and Gold Country Animal Clinic.
“Spaying and neutering pets is one of the most effective ways to reduce unwanted litters and ease the burden on our local animal shelters,” said Board Chair Lisa Swarthout, who spearheaded the initiative. “This is a smart investment that benefits animals, pet owners and our entire community.”
Among those who benefited were Joe and Maryann Streng, who brought their 7-year-old Australian shepherd, Suzie, to Gold Country Animal Clinic earlier this month.
“We’re a senior couple on a fixed income, and this program saved us a lot of money,” said Joe Streng.
“They were so professional and very pleasant,” added Maryann Streng. “We were really impressed, considering what our vet was going to charge that we could not afford. We wanted to keep her healthy.”
Suzie is recovering well from her surgery, though she’s still sporting a cone for a few more days.
The program averaged at least one clinic per month, with multiple clinics offered during some months.
The nonprofits working with the County said they were glad to help.
“Gold Country Animal Clinic is proud to partner with the Community Spay and Neuter Program to provide low-cost services that help reduce animal overpopulation and support local pet owners,” said Ashley Vieira, a registered veterinary technician and president of the clinic. “The clinic was founded with a commitment to helping the community, and this partnership reflects that mission.”
Carolyn Niehaus, executive director for Animal Save, added: “At Animal Save, we’ve spent many years dedicated to providing essential spay and neuter services for cats and dogs, including vital support for feral colonies throughout the community. We’re proud to be a long‑standing partner in reducing overpopulation and improving the lives of countless animals.”
Now in its second year, the County hopes to match or exceed the 343 animals spayed or neutered during the program’s first year. The County plans to continue working with the same nonprofit partners and is exploring mobile veterinary services for residents unable to access brick-and-mortar locations.
Due to high demand, the program is currently accepting residents onto a waitlist. To learn more about the Community Spay and Neuter Program or join the waitlist, visit www.NevadaCountyCa.gov/spayandneuter.