Spay & Neuter Financial Aid

We believe that cost should never be a barrier to responsible pet care. Spaying and neutering helps pets live healthier lives, reduces unwanted litters, and supports a more sustainable, compassionate community for animals.

We understand that veterinary costs have increased, and access to affordable care can be limited - especially in rural counties like Wahkiakum. Our Financial Aid program is designed to help bridge that gap so more pets can receive this essential care. The amount of financial assistance we provide is outlined in the table.

You have options for your pet’s care:

  • Visit your preferred veterinarian and apply WAAG financial aid toward the cost of surgery.

  • Book an appointment through the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (Longview & Vancouver) and have the cost fully covered.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Must be a Wahkiakum County resident.

  • Limited to 2 vouchers per household, per year.

  • Financial aid may only be applied to the cost of the surgery and cannot be used for deposits or additional services.

Application Process

To apply for financial aid, please complete an application by clicking on the button below.

If you are booking an appointment through the Humane Society, please review the directions below.

Spay/Neuter Financial Aid Request
Spay/Neuter Financial Aid Request

While we do not verify income eligibility, financial aid is intended for pet owners who would not otherwise be able to afford these services. We kindly ask that these resources be reserved for those who need them most.

    • Check Eligibility
      Visit Humane Society for Southwest Washington’s Community Medicine page. Before making an appointment, review the income qualifications. Wahkiakum County residents should refer to the Cowlitz Income Threshold.

    • Create an Account
      You will need to create an account through the Community Medicine portal in order to request an appointment.

    • Enter Your Pet’s Information
      Fill out all required details for your pet.
      Please note: WAAG covers spay/neuter surgery only. Any additional services or add-ons will be your responsibility.

    • Location for Dog Appointments
      All dog spay/neuter surgeries are currently performed at Community Vet Clinic in Vancouver.

    • Select Your Appointment
      Choose your preferred date and time.

    • Important: Reason for Appointment
      In the “Reason for Appointment” field, enter WAAG Financial Aid. This ensures we receive the invoice for your appointment.

    • Complete WAAG Financial Aid Application
      After submitting your appointment request, you must also complete WAAG’s financial aid application. This step is required for us to cover the cost of your pet’s surgery.

    • Approval & Payment
      If your application is approved, WAAG will pay Humane Society for Southwest Washington directly for your pet’s spay/neuter.

    • Please Keep Your Appointment
      WAAG pays for these appointments in advance. Missing your appointment results in a financial loss for both WAAG and the Humane Society - both of which are non-profit organizations. If you are unable to attend, please cancel or reschedule as early as possible.

 
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Why Spay & Neuter?

Help your pets live a healthier and longer life!

There are few reasons NOT to consider making an appointment to get your pet sterilized.

Why?

Spayed female pets tend to live longer and healthier lives, aids in the prevention of uterine infections and breast tumors, which are malignant or cancerous in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Neutering a male prevents testicular cancer, some prostate problems and some aggression problems may be avoided by early neutering. Spaying/neutering your pets is far more cost effective than having and caring for a litter.

When?

Dogs can be spayed or neutered as young as 8-weeks old as long as they're healthy, but traditionally it's six to nine months. There is a slightly higher risk of post-operative complications with older dogs, dogs that are overweight or dogs with health problems.

For cats it's considered safe for kittens as young as eight weeks old to be spayed or neutered. In animal shelters, kittens are often sterilized prior to adoption. To eliminate the chance for pregnancy and avoid the start of spraying it’s recommended to spay/neuter your cat before it reaches five months of age. It’s possible to spay a female cat while she’s in heat.

Where?

If you do not already have an established veterinarian, you can find a list of local providers in our Local Resources Guide on page 2. The Humane Society of Southwest Washington is often the most affordable option in our region for income-qualified families.

Please keep in mind that many independent veterinary clinics are booked months in advance, so it’s important to establish care with a veterinarian before planning for spay or neuter services. Some clinics may also require proof of vaccinations and/or bloodwork to ensure your pet is healthy enough for surgery. For specific requirements, we recommend contacting your chosen clinic directly.

WAAG does not provide veterinary services; we offer recommendations and guidance to help you find care that works best for your pet.