 Though the cost of spaying or neutering a pet is relatively small, financial considerations are the number one obstacle that prevents people from getting their pets "fixed".
A collaborative program launched by Animal Ark is working to change that.
"We are focusing resources to help the animals most at risk in our community," said Mike Fry, Executive Director of Animal Ark. By helping, Fry means surgically sterilizing (spaying or neutering) cats and pit bulls for their owners.
Formerly known as Pit Fix, the Ark program was originally set up to help pit bulls exclusively. Recently, the program was expanded to include all breeds of dogs and cats.
"We are wanting to help spay or neuter as many pets as possible," said Fry.
"Spaying or neutering not only prevents these animals from producing more unwanted liters in the future, it also helps them to be happier, healthier pets," said Molly Hapgood, the Animal Ark volunteer and donor who thought of the program.
According to data collected from animal shelters nation-wide, a spayed or neutered pet is more likely to remain in their home. They are also less likely to develop serious health problems later in life. Surgical sterilization, therefore, benefits the animals, the pet owners and the community in general.
"The program works because of the holistic, community-wide approach we are taking," said Fry. "Animal Ark administers the program and pays for the surgeries from the Pet Fix fund; veterinarians provide discounts and the expertise to make the program possible; St. Paul Animal Control staff, who work on the front-lines in the community, help to connect the families in need to the program. Partners like Cause for Paws, and other generous donors, help raise badly needed funding so we can sterilize as many animals as possible."
Based on available funding, Animal Ark prints and distributes Twin Cities Pet Fix certificates that can be redeemed at participating veterinarians for a free spay or neuter surgery.
The average discounted cost for a spay or neuter is around $200 for one dog. For one cat, it costs about $150. You can help the Twin Cities Pet Fix reach as many pets as possible by making a donation today. Use the link on the right side of this page to make your donation and be sure to specify the Twin Cities Pet Fix as the purpose for the donation. People who use the certificates are asked to donate what they can afford to help ensure the continued success of the program. | _ | Redeem Twin Cities Pet Fix Certificates at These Participating Veterinarians:
Animal Medical Clinic
2603 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-374-4414
Larpenteur Animal Hospital
1136 Larpenteur Ave. W.
St. Paul, MN 55116
651-487-3712
Southview Animal Hospital
32 Mendota Rd.
Inver Grove Hghts, MN 55077
651-455-2258
Pet Central
2700 Central Ave. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
612-781-6941
Bass Lake Pet Hospital
8119 Bass Lake Road
New Hope, MN 55428
763-535-4250
Douglas Animal Hospital
17 2nd Street NW
Osseo, MN 55369
763-424-3605
Hastings Vet Clinic
3150 Red Wing Blvd
Hastings, MN 55033
651-437-5101
Newport Pet Clinic
1750 Hastings Ave.
Newport, MN. 55055
651-459-2152
Countryside Vet Clinic
708 Schilling Dr.
Dundas, MN 55019
507-645-4522
Wolff Animal Hospital
9021 Penn Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55431
952-884-4353
South Saint Paul Animal Hospital
501 North Concord St.
South St. Paul, MN 55075
651-455-5897
Obtain Twin Cities Pet Fix Certificates here:
809 E. 7th Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55106
Donate to the Pet Fix Program
Average cost to spay or neuter one pit bull is around $200. The average cost for a cat is $150.
Animal Ark's Twin Cities Pet Fix Program Partners:
Cause for Paws
Minneapolis Animal Control
Saint Paul Animal Control
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On 11/16/2009 Kate said: spay/neuter costThe discounted prices listed here are not CHEAP at all. If you want to have your pet spayed or neutered, least cost, call vet offices for as far as you are willing to travel. The prices vary greatly and are less cost 20 miles north of the cities, etc. Kudos to all you do, though, Animal Ark |
On 10/21/2009 amy said: MANY thanks!if not for animal ark, i would not be able to afford the cost of spaying my cat, and then... i would've had to give her up. i am SO thankful for animal ark and all the services they provide. i will make sure to donate in the future!! |
On 08/13/2009 Scott Quale said: AppreciationI would like to say thank you to Animal Ark for the services they provide. I bought a spay certificate to have my female Shih Tzu spayed. The cost was $150. My regular vet charges $250 and up. I contacted other vets in the Twin Cities area and they were in the same price range, $250 and up. I love my dogs and am very appreciative that Animal Ark provides this certificate. I would recommend anyone who loves their pets yet has limited income, to check out Animal Ark and compare it with regular vet costs...... Thank you!Thank you,Thank you! Scott Quale |
On 02/22/2009 Gary said: community supported NuteringWe here in Las Cruces New Mexico have a cooperative group called SNAP. Spay and Neuter Action Program. We cater to low income and the homeless and only charge 15.00 for a cat and 25 for a dog of any size. We get little funding from the county other than they have gotten a medical van to do outreach. We are doing 30 animals a day and it will take years to make an impact but an impact we are working to. The link for info and Ideas to help is : www.snapnewmexico.org Thanks
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On 02/08/2009 Nicole said: cat gone weird?My male cat is a little over a year old, and all of a sudden hes been acting so weird. When we have a window open he will go up to it and make really loud, unnormal noises. I have never heard of such a thing but then I noticed my house began to smell. I know I need to get him fixed and I feel really bad because I cant afford it right now. My cat cries constantly. All morning and night. I need to find a cheap place to get him fixed at in St.Paul, Minnesota. Any advice? |
On 12/08/2008 Sam Chafos said: LayoffsHave some sensitivity folks: many pet owners are responsible and loving people who are victims of a crappy economy. Would you rather they turn their pets out upon receipt of a pink slip? Or perhaps you critical commenters are willing to take in all pets of the recently unemployed? Thanks for taking a minute to think about what you're saying. The world can certainly benefit from less negativity. |
On 11/13/2008 Steve said: Cost to Spay a dog $95.00I don't know how the "average DISCOUNTED cost" to have a dog spade can be $200 when I called several vets and found prices far less. The first place I called was Valley View Veterinarian in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin (right on the Minn. border) and they are $137.95. Second place I called is the vet in Annandale, MN and they charge only $95.00! So much for the "discount!" |
On 03/10/2008 Holly said: Community problemHello- I think a good approach to the pet overpopulation issue is to remember it as one of many community problems that we should all work together to solve. Money is an issue for a lot of people who are just trying to meet their own basic needs. Most people I know who have pets (cats and dogs)aquired the pet through adoption or rescued a stray. Where would these animals go if kind people were not taking them in? Let's focus on the problem-pet overpoplation and not make it a personal issue. I have spent literally thousands of dollars of my own money caring for rescued animals and have the income to do so. Many people can not do this. Isn't it wonderful that Animal Ark and other rescue groups can help with the overpopulation problem by providing low/no-cost spay-neuter programs? Thank you!!! |
On 02/28/2008 Kathi said: Birth ControlIf science can create a birth control pill, (or patch) for humans why can't something be available to our beloved pets? |
On 02/04/2008 Jage said: Companion AnimalWhy would anyone think a person who can't afford to pay for spaying her cat is a useless owner? Isn't half the battle getting them a home as well as getting them altered. I am totally and permanently disabled and Princess is my companion. She is loved and adored more than most cats could ever be. I just need help to keep her from peeing. Last night she peed on MY ARM!! She also got the bed between my daughter and I and her pillow. Please have compassion. If we didn't have her here, wouldn't she be just another cat out having wild kits and making more trouble? Where has the caring for others gone in this world of harsh cold hearts? |
On 05/22/2007 tina said: WOWHey why assualt a person who is looking to fix her animal? She sees it is not a good thing. What in the world is the point U are trying to get across? She should have done it sooner? Well she is looking to do it now, be happy and helpful. At least she is doing it. There is one more person who has learned how important it is to fix. Be glad and help her, rather than a bully and turning her off to the whole thing. Shame on you Dana, didn't you learn your lessons in kindergarten? I also am looking for low cost spay neuter. I haved stray cats overrunning our property. Any advice is appreciated. I am in Southern Mille Lacs County.
Thank You |
On 05/18/2007 Dana said: Carrie, you are rudeI didn't contemplate losing my job. My dog has his shots, heartworm medicine, and frontline treatment. But the costs to get him neutered is more than I can afford right now. I do keep him inside so he doesn't impregnate other female dogs. But he is marking his territory and destroying stuff in my home with his markings. I am still doing what I can to be a responsible pet owner. I am thankful that there are services out there to help. At least he isn't taking up space in a shelter, or adding to the population. Life isn't always predictable. |
On 04/28/2007 Carrie said: People...If you cannot afford to have your animal spayed or neutered, you should not own your animal. OR, you could always try keeping an eye on it so that these ooops! puppies! incidents don't keep recurring. A fenced yard perhaps, keeping the dog inside maybe. I just cannot believe the ignorance of even the people who claim to love their pets. |
On 07/30/2006 Mary said: QuestionI was wondering if anyone helps spay dogs that aren't pitt bulls? I have a female that has had 4 litters of pups in less then 4 years and she needs to be spayed.Her last litter she had 11 pups and she almost died.I had to bottle feed the babies because she was in the hospital and when she got out she couldn't produce milk.The vet said get her spayed.I can't afford $300.00 to do it.So if anyone knows of a place that helps other breeds of dogs please let me know.Thanks |
On 04/06/2006 Kathy said: Thankful Pet OwnerI wanted to thank the animal ark and the city of St Paul. You helped me get my two cats neutered and microchipped. I could have never afforded to do this on my own. Thank you. Your choice of animal hospitals was a nice touch. Inver Grove Heights Animal Hospital was great to work with. My cats will be going back there for their yearly shots. Thank you again |