Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic

At HAHS, we are committed to helping reduce the unwanted pet population by offering low-cost spay and neuter options for cats and dogs of low-income families.


Our low cost/low income spay and neuter program is available to members of our community, who are facing financial hardships, and those who are receiving government assistance.

How It Works

An application is required to participate in our low cost clinic. If you have multiple animals to be fixed, you will need to complete an application for each individual animal. 


Please note:

Any part left incomplete could forfeit your application. Please make sure to provide a complete application.

You must provide proof of one of the following for income verification (MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION & MUST BE CURRENT): 

  • HEAP
  • Retirement
  • Social Security Assistance
  • SNAP (Card Not Accepted)
  • Medicaid (Card Not Accepted)

If you do not receive government assistance, then you MUST provide one (1) months worth of pay stubs from each person in the household that works.


Please note:

We follow the HEAP income guidelines for approval of applications.

Spay/neuter fees are required to be paid before an appointment can be scheduled. 


We accept cash, credit cards, debit cards, or money orders only. NO personal checks.

An HAHS representative will contact you to schedule an appointment for our next available opening.


Please note:

Due to a high demand for surgery, there may be an extended wait for available openings.

Low cost spay/neuter application

Please note: You will need access to a computer to complete the application as it is a fillable pdf and is not compatible with mobile devices. Hard copies of the application can be filled out at the shelter or you can request a hard copy be mailed to you if needed.

Spay and neuter pricing

All spay/neuter prices include: rabies vaccine, nail trim, ear cleaning, and flea treatment if applicable.

Male cat neuter $70
Female cat spay $90
Male dog neuter up to 70 pounds $175
Female dog spay up to 70 pounds $225

** Please note: We are not able to accommodate dogs weighing over 70 pounds**

Optional services and additional fees

Optional services are to be paid for prior to surgery. Additional fees are to be paid the day of surgery at pick up.

Feline leukemia/FIV test (optional) $30
Feline distemper vaccine (FVRCP) (optional) $15
Canine Heartworm test (optional) $30
Canine distemper vaccine (DHPP) (optional) $15
Microchipping (optional) $35
Hernia Repair $25
Cryptorchid **Additional Fee** $45

After Surgery

  • We strongly recommend you keep your pet confined in a crate or small room the night after surgery.
  • No running, jumping, playing, or other strenuous activity during the 7-10 day recovery period.
  • Outdoor cats must be kept inside where it is warm and dry and they can be monitored for the recovery period.
  • Your pet may be groggy when you get home, experiencing a "hang-over" from the anesthesia. Your pet will typically require 18-24 hours to recover from the general anesthesia. Most animals will be back to normal when the anesthesia leaves their system entirely.
  • Isolate the animal from children and other pets. He/she may be more prone to snapping or nipping at other pets and even children due to the after-effects of anesthesia.
  • Make sure your cat has a comfortable spot to sleep in a confined, secure, quiet place. Once the cat is settled, he/she's likely to sleep it off and will be fine upon awakening.

  • What you see on the day of surgery is what we consider normal. There should be minimal clear or slightly red-tinged drainage. A very small amount of redness/swelling at incision may occur.
  • If animal allows, check incision site once daily for one week. Check for excessive redness, swelling, or cloudy or thick red discharge, or if incision site is open.
  • Do not clean or apply any topical ointment to the incision site. Absolutely do not bathe the animal.
  • Do not allow the animal to lick the incision. Elizabethan collars or taste deterrents such as Bitter Apple spray are available at stores such as Wal-Mart to prevent licking. Licking can result in the incision opening and needing repair and/or antibiotics and such services will occur at your (owner) expense.

  • Unless you are told otherwise, your pet does not have external sutures.
  • Male cats do not have any sutures. 
  • All sutures are absorbable on the inside. The very outer layer of skin is held together with surgical glue. 
  • If you are told that your pet has skin sutures or skin staples, he/she will need to return in 7-10 days to have those removed. 

  • All female cats, female dogs, and male dogs receive a small green tattoo on the incision line. 
  • This is a universally recognized tattoo that identifies your pet has been spayed or neutered. 
  • Tattoos are generally not placed on male cats.

  • Anesthesia tends to make animals experience nausea, so your pet may not want to eat when he/she gets home after surgery.
  • You need to re-introduce food slowly. Offer a small amount of food and water as soon as animal is fully awake. If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, wait until the next day to give more food. Provide your normal amount of food and water to your pet on the day after surgery.
  • Your pet’s appetite should return gradually within 24 hours of surgery.

Spaying and neutering are safe surgeries; however, complications can occur. Minimal redness and swelling should resolve within a few days. Please contact your vet immediately if redness and swelling persists or if you notice any of the following:

  • Pale gums
  • Depression
  • Vomiting and/or Diarrhea
  • Cloudy or thick red discharge from the incision
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Labored breathing
  • Decreased appetite
  • Lethargy lasting more than 24 hours

The Hornell Area Humane Society cannot be held responsible for complications resulting from failure to follow post-operative instructions or for illness or contagious diseases in the post-operative period.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does my pet need to be fasted before surgery?

    Yes, your pet will need to be fasted the evening prior to their scheduled appointment. Your pet may still eat dinner, but all food and treats must be taken away no later than 9 pm. Water can still be given through the night.

  • Can my pet be boarded at the shelter before/ after surgery?

    No, we cannot board public pets/strays before or after surgery. Drop off and pick up times are on the day of surgery.

  • What time is drop off?

    Drop off for both cats, and dogs is 8 am the morning of their scheduled appointment.

  • What time is pick up?

    Pick up is between 4 pm and 5 pm the day of surgery.

  • Does my pet need to be in a carrier or on a leash?

    All cats are required to be contained in a proper cat carrier. If you have more than one cat scheduled for the same surgery day, they must come in their own individual carriers.


    All dogs must be on leash.

  • Will my pet need to have sutures removed?

    No, all sutures are internal and desolvable. The very outer layer of skin is held together with surgical glue unless stated otherwise.


    Please note: If your pet does recieve external sutures that require removal, you will need to schedule an appointment with your personal veterinarian for removal.

  • How long is the recovery period?

    Many pets recover from the effects of anesthesia by the next day. Some will take up to 48 hours to recover.  Most pets are healed from their procedure in 7-10 days.

  • Does my pet need to be vaccinated before their appointment?

    While it is highly reccommended that your pet be fully vaccinated before their scheduled appointment, it is not required.


    If your pet does not have a rabies vaccination or you do not provide proof of a current rabies vaccination, they will be given one during their surgery as the rabies vaccination is required by New York State law for all dogs and cats over the age of 3 months.


    An optional distemper vaccinations can be given at the time of their surgery for an additional fee. A booster vaccination may be required if your pet has not been vaccinated for distemper previously. If a booster vaccine is needed, you will need to schedule an appointment with your personal veterinarian for it.

  • My dog is in heat, can she still get fixed?

    If your pet has gone into heat, we will not be able to preforme surgery, and your appointment will need to be rescheduled.

  • My cat is pregnant/ nursing, can she still get fixed?

    If your cat is pregnant, it would depend on how far along she is on if she could still be spayed. If your cat is close to the end of her pregnancy, or is nursing, the surgery will need to be rescheduled. Once kittens have been weaned and her milk supply has completely dried up, then she can be spayed.

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