ATLANTA – Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black is excited to announce the issuance of $600,000 in grants to assist with spaying and neutering Georgia’s companion animals.
“Often local communities have citizens that are burdened by the high costs of having their pets spayed or neutered,” Commissioner Black said. “This grant will target and aid these communities across Georgia by keeping strays off the street and controlling the animal population in a humane manner.”
Since the Dog and Cat Sterilization program’s inception, it has been utilized to sexually alter thousands of companion animals. The funds for these procedures are obtained from the sales of the Dog and Cat specialty vehicle tags, income tax exempt deductions and from direct contributions to the program. In 2013, the Dog and Cat Sterilization Grant Program was established to allow for state licensed animal shelters and licensed animal rescue organizations with 501-(c)(3) status to apply for grants from the program. This year the rules have been amended to allow veterinary associations with 501-(c)(3) status to also apply. In the first two rounds of grants $325,000 was awarded to a total of 60 organizations. This year’s grants are the largest in the program’s history.
Grants will be awarded based on the highest priority after considering factors such as targeting important animal populations, ability to increase surgical numbers, cost-benefit ration, record of grant applicant and sustainability. Applicants must reside in Georgia and all procedures must be performed by licensed and accredited Georgia veterinarians. Applications must be submitted by the close of business on October 17, 2016.
Applications may be obtained from http://agr.georgia.gov/dog-cat-sterilization-program.aspx, and submitted to:
Georgia Department of Agriculture
Dog and Cat Sterilization Program
19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
Room 122
Atlanta, GA. 30334
For more information, to obtain an application or to make a tax exempt donation to the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program visit http://agr.georgia.gov/dog-cat-sterilization-program.aspx, or call 404-656-4914.
