RPC gets spay/neuter grants

NORWAY — Responsible Pet Care has received a grant from the Maine Community Foundation to assist low income pet owners in Oxford County and Harrison with the cost to spay and neuter their pets.

This grant will fund $75 for pit terrier/bully breed type dogs, $50 for all other breed dogs, and up to $25 for cats. For those that qualify for the FIX ME Spay/Neuter program through Maine Animal Welfare, the fund will pay the co-pays of $10 and $20, making spay/neuter through that program absolutely free.

It is important to spay and neuter to prevent overpopulation of unwanted pets, particularly in cats. Millions of cats and dogs are euthanized every year, simply because there are too many and not enough space in shelters.

Spaying and neutering helps prevent some types of cancers and improves pet behavior. In general it helps make having a pet much more enjoyable. Studies have proven without a doubt, that all dogs have a much better temperament and are easier to train if they have been properly socialized at a young age and spayed or neutered.

This is especially true for pit bull terriers and other bully breed types. Furthermore, breeding dogs without proper knowledge can result in undesired physical attributes, such as bad hips and knee joint issues. It may also produce dogs that do not have sound minds, making them harder to manage.

For more information on the spay/neuter grants and locations to receive lower cost spay/neuter services, please contact RPC at 743-8679 or responsiblepetcare@yahoo.com.