Local Cat Rescue Now Offers Spay/Neuter Assistance

Getting your cat spayed or neutered just got easier for many local families thanks to a grant from the WV Dept of Agriculture jointly submitted by Just One Generation cat rescue and the Braxton County Commission. The program allows for No-Cost or Low-Cost sterilization services through the Central West Virginia Animal Hospital in Gassaway and is considered a key element in helping reduce the severe feline overpopulation in the area.
According to Just One Generation program director, Sally Stewart, the program is designed to help those pet owners that might otherwise have difficulty obtaining the procedure for their cats. “We are grateful to both Diane Ratliff, our local coordinator of this effort, and to Dr. Edie Johnson and the staff at the Central WV Animal Hospital for working with us to provide the service. The cat overpopulation problem in this area has been long-standing, and we will never overcome the problem through adoption alone. Spay and neutering as many felines as possible is key to reducing unwanted cats and kittens.”
The organization has received grant money for this purpose in previous years. This year, however, is the first time that a No-Cost option is available to eligible families. To qualify for no cost services, the owner of the cats must certify that they are receiving state or federal public assistance from one or more of the following programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid: Supplemental Security Income (SSI), WV Low Income Energy Assistance Program, Social Security Disability, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or Low Income Veterans Assistance under 38 USC 2044. In order to use available funds to help the most families, each qualifying household will be limited to two (2) cats under the no cost option. Certification forms are available at the Animal Shelter or by contacting Diane Ratliff at the contact information below.
For families that do not qualify for No Cost services, there is also a Low-Cost option, which allows for a spay/neuter and rabies vaccination for $45. There are no specific income guidelines, but applicants are intended to be those families living in or near the Braxton County area that would have financial difficulty obtaining these services without the benefit of the program. There is no limit to the number of cats that can be done through this option, but only two cats can be scheduled on any one day with the vet. “We are hopeful that the community understands that there are limits to the funds available for this service, and we are hopeful that only those who are in financial need apply for this program,” states Sally Stewart.
Applications are currently being accepted. For information or applications, contact Diane Ratliff at 978-317-1941 or email her at [email protected]. All procedures must be scheduled and completed by November 1, or sooner if funds run low.