Wednesday, May 27, 2009

low-cost spay/neuter options?

Q. Can I get help having my cat spayed/neutered? It's expensive.

A. Several places in the city offer low-cost spay/neuter. We have looked for information for people with reduced incomes. Remember, spay or neuter now, no hassle with kittens later. Spayed/neutered pets live longer, happier, healthier lives.

Hyde Park Cats cannot pay for spay/neuter surgery (or other medical care) for your pet cats. However, we may be able to help you with a ride or with information. Email us at hydeparkcats@gmail.com.

Here are three good options:

Anti-Cruelty Society
157 Grand Ave., (312) 644-8338 ext.347 (office hours M-F 10a-4p).

Cat spay/neuter $10, no proof of low income required, but distemper vaccination is required; if proof of vaccination is not available, distemper vaccination must be purchased for an additional $15. Rabies vaccination is also available for an additional $18. Forms of payment accepted: cash (no bill larger than $50) and all major credit cards. Appointments must be scheduled in advance. Clinic is open Monday through Friday. Drop-off time 8a-9p, pick-up time 5:30p-6p. Additional fees (if applicable): $15 to reschedule a cat appointment; $50 cash per animal left overnight. Minimum age/weight for spaying/neutering kittens: 3 mo/2 lbs minimum. Anticruelty Society will also spay/neuter any feral cats free of charge.

Anticruelty Society will not perform surgeries without informed consent from the owner. If you are helping somebody with transport please keep this in mind.

PAWS Chicago
3516 W. 26th St., (773) 521-7729 (office hours: Su-Th 9a-5p).

Cat spay/neuter free for Medicaid recipients living in Chicago, $25 for the general public. Proof of Medicaid status and Chicago residency required for free surgery. No prior vaccinations are required, but vaccinations may be purchased at $25 per shot for the general public or $12 per shot for Medicaid recipients or residents of zip codes 60617, 60619, 60620, 60621, 60628, 60629, 60636, and 60639. Forms of payment accepted: cash, personal checks with ID, MasterCard, and Visa. Appointments must be scheduled in advance. Clinic is open Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and selected Saturdays. Drop-off time: 6:45a-7:45a; pick-up time: 4p-5p same day. Additional fee (if applicable): $30 for animal left overnight. Minimum age/weight for spaying/neutering kittens: 8 weeks/2 pounds.

Tree House

1629 N. Ashland Ave., (773) 227-5535 office hours: usually 7a-6p Tu-Sa except holidays); spay@treehouseanimals.org.

[This is its new spay/neuter clinic at its Bucktown location. Tree House is no longer performing spay/neuter at its Rogers Park location except for Tree House resident cats.] Cat spay/neuter $40, or $25 if one can prove reduced income status: Medicaid card, WIC, Major VA, Disability, Section 8, Social Security Disability, etc. Vaccinations are not required, but it is recommended that clients' cats be vaccinated at least two weeks before surgery, because there may be unprotected feral cats in the clinic at the same time. Vaccinations may be purchased along with surgery at the following rates: one-year rabies shot, $12 for reduced income, $15 for general public; three-year rabies shot, $25/$30; FVRCP, $7/10. Forms of payment accepted: cash, checks, and credit cards. Appointments must be scheduled in advance. Clinic is open for cat surgeries Wednesdays through Saturdays. Drop-off time: 7:30a-9a; pick-up time: 4:30p-6p same day. Additional fee (if applicable): $25 for animal left overnight. Minimum age/weight for spaying/neutering kittens: 2 months/2 pounds.

The Animal Care League


1013 Garfield in Oak Park, (708)848-8155.


The Animal Care League offers spay/neuter services for $30. Call for more information.


The South Suburban Humane Society


18349 S. Halsted in Glenwood, (708)755-1110


The South Suburban Humane Society offers $55 neutering and $65 spaying services for dogs and $40 neutering and $50 spaying for cats. There are further reduced prices for certain zip codes.