The MSPCA/MVMA
Spay/Neuter Assistance Program
The Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) began in 1986 and is a partnership of the MSPCA and the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA). The program offers reduced cost spay and neuter operations for low-income pet owners.
SNAP helps reduce the number of unwanted kittens and puppies born each year. As of June 2008, this program has issued more than 100,000 certificates for reduced-price spay/neuter operations in communities throughout Massachusetts.
SNAP discount certificates are accepted by nearly 200 veterinary hospitals or clinics throughout Massachusetts.
Reduced SNAP fees are made possible through generous donations of time and resources by participating veterinarians who believe in the importance of spaying and neutering as part of a complete pet health care program.
Please Note: This program is with participating Massachusetts veterinary practices only. If you live elsewhere, please contact SpayUSA for a low cost program in your area: http://www.spayusa.org/. You may apply for assistance only for your own pets. If you have more than one pet that you would like to have spayed or neutered, please use the comment section of the form to describe the other pet(s). You will be notified as to your eligibility for the Spay/Neuter Assistance Program within two weeks of the time your application is received. If you need help completing the form, call (617) 541-5007.
Commonly Asked Questions
What are the financial guidelines to qualify?
Many factors are taken into consideration when your application is evaluated, such as total income, number of household members, rent/mortgage, assistance programs, age of pet, etc.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary among the participating SNAP veterinarians. Please call the SNAP veterinary practices in your area for prices.
Are the immunizations (shots) included in the program?
No, shots required prior to surgery are not included in SNAP. The spay/neuter surgery expenses are discounted. The Shalit-Glazer Clinic at the MSPCA in
How old should my dog and/ or cat be when I get him/her sterilized?
Spaying or neutering early - as young as 4 months - protects your pet's health. Spayed females will avoid the risks of pregnancy and uterine infections, and will be far less likely to develop mammary cancer later in life. For the most part, neutered male cats do not spray your furniture, walls and plants to stake out their territories. Neutering also discourages male cats and dogs from roaming, decreasing the likelihood of fights, car accidents and disease. Instead , your pet will spend time with you. Neutering also reduces the tendency to be aggressive toward humans and other animals, and it lowers your pet's risk of developing prostate cancer and other diseases.
Please spay your female pet before she has even one litter; and neuter your male pet before he has a chance to get out and impregnate unspayed females in your neighborhood.
Once I submit a SNAP application, how long should I wait to hear if I qualify?
You will receive information within 2 weeks of submitting the application. If you do not hear from us after 2 weeks, please call (617) 541-5007.
More Information
Interested in Becoming a SNAP Vet?
Get more information on the program and how to become a SNAP vet.
Get Moving on a 'Pet-active' License Plate
Millions of animals depend on all of us for help and support. In Massachusetts, there is a new way to advance a valuable program.
Get Involved
Learn how to become a volunteer and get involved with the SNAP Program.
SNAP Application
Click here to fill apply for the SNAP Program online or print and mail it to:
MSPCA Spay/Neuter Assistance Program
350 South Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02130
