Animal Welfare League Offers Free Cat Spay, Neuters

The Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County (AWLMC) will be issuing 100 free cat spay/neuter certificates to those cat owners unable to afford to get their cats altered during difficult economic times, according to the group.

The program aims to decrease euthanasia at overcrowded shelters and help increase the chance of a longer and healthier life for cats by an average of three to five years, according to the AWLMC. 

The program's title is "Beat the Heat."

"August is the primary month that cats go into heat and get pregnant," the the organization said. "Due to the current difficult economic climate, many pet owners find it hard to pay their vet for this procedure. Therefore, they end up with more pets than they can afford to keep, and give them up to the county shelter."

AWLMC President Maureen Williams told Patch the campaign, which began Aug. 8, has received about 15 applications as of Thursday morning. She is hoping to receive more than 100.

"The free cat spay neuter certificates will continue until we get the 100, so if it takes longer than August it will continue into September," she said.

In addition to the free cat spay/neuter certificates, the AWLMC also offers the service to dogs under 60 pounds for $100 for those who cannot afford vet costs, Williams said.

"Our wonderful vets in our program are kind to give us discounted costs for these services, but obviously we do not want pet owners taking advantage of the program if they can afford it," Williams said. "Even though there are no income checks for 'those in need' the application requires you to state what difficult circumstances put you in need."

An application for AWLMC's certificates can be found on their website.

Since starting the certificate program in 2010, the AWLMC has distributed more than 1,400 to Montgomery County residents, Williams said, adding that it has positively impacted overpopulation in the county.

The AWLMC is a small, all-volunteer cat adoption shelter located at 12 Park Avenue in Olde Town Gaithersburg.