A.D.O.P.T. Launches Low Cost Spay and Neuter Program

Dr. Linda Kopja and Marla Sculley working on a cat

In February of 2009, A.D.O.P.T. began offering low-cost spay/neuter service to local shelters and rescues in the west Chicago suburbs. The service includes a pre-surgical exam. If requested, the animal will be given basic vaccines and a blood test (heartworm test for dogs or FIV/FELV and heartworm for cats). A year later, the program was expanded to include service to those on public assistance (see below).

Chris Stirn performing dental cleaning

Through this program, A.D.O.P.T. has been able to provide low-cost spay and neuter services to groups such as:

• Aurora Animal Control
• Kane County Animal Control
• Dupage County Animal Control
• Homes for Endangered and Lost Pets (H.E.L.P.)
• Fixin' Feral Felines
• Starfish Animal Rescue
• Dire Straits Animal Rescue
• Catnap from the Heart
• Animal Heartline Humane Association
• Illinois Bird Dog Rescue
• One Tail Animal Rescue

Erica Marshall comforting one of the cats on the day's surgery schedule

The program enables these organizations to save an average of $150-$250 per animal for the cost of spaying or neutering their animals. According to A.D.O.P.T.'s director, Rich Glessner, "This program is a win-win situation for everyone. The other shelters and rescues save money that they can put towards helping more animals, the community benefits by having fewer animals producing additional unwanted litters, and A.D.O.P.T. is able to raise money to help pay its operating costs."

In addition to providing spay/neuter services for other shelters and rescues, A.D.O.P.T. is working in partnership with Dupage County to help low income families. Any resident of Dupage County who meets the state income guidelines for public assistance to receive state aide can get a voucher from the county that can be used at A.D.O.P.T. for free spay or neuter services.

Dog recovering from spay surgery

In the first 10 months of the program A.D.O.P.T. has been able to provide spay/neuter services to over 600 animals. In March of 2010, A.D.O.P.T. expanded its low cost spay and neuter program to low income pet owners on public aid (recipients must be on Public Assistance, State Aide, Link Card, Disability, Social Security or Unemployment). Contact Chris Stirn, Medical Services Coordinator, at 630-355-2299 x230 for more details or to book an appointment.

For more information on the imporance of spaying and neutering your pets, see our Spay/Neuter fact sheet.

Marla Sculley with a cat, post-surgery

Cats waiting for their spay/neuter surgery

Sharon Greiner with dog after spay surgery and dental cleaning

A.D.O.P.T. Medical Staff and Volunteers

Our volunteers are a key component to our successful Spay/Neuter program

Back to Media Center