This program does not run continuously. The program only runs as donations allow. We keep this webpage updated as to whether the program is currently running or not.

 "Is the low-income spay/neuter program running at the moment?"
NO

This program is open to those who live within the boundaries of the Cowichan Valley Regional District, including North Cowichan Municipality, from Malahat to Ladysmith, and including Lake Cowichan, Youbou and Honeymoon Bay. 

This program is aimed at those who live below the Low Income Cut Offs (LICOs) as set by Statistics Canada. The qualifying pre-tax household income levels are as follows:

With the mobile clinic now available to us, we are getting as many low cost spays and neuters done as possible. Here are the new LICOs for 2023. If your total pretax household income falls within these numbers we could fix your cat(s) and we would hate for you to miss this opportunity! Please go to our website to find the information and forms for the low cost program.

LICO table 2023

The following table shows LICO for 2023*. As you see, the LICO changes based on the household number.

Size of Family Unit– 12 Months

one person $27,514

two persons $34,254

three persons $42,110

four persons $51,128

five persons $57,988

six persons $65,400

seven persons $72,814

If more than seven persons, for each

additional person, add $7,412

If your entire household income from all sources, including such non-taxable income as child support, veterans’ benefits, etc., is not more than these levels then you are qualified to have your cat or kitten spayed or neutered for $25.00 each. The $25. must be included with mailed  applications and will be returned if your application is not approved . Emailed applications will be asked to etransfer once your application has been approved prior to the appointment date, or cash brought to the appointment in an envelope marked CCR.

You will need to provide proof of your income from all sources. You may submit photos or photocopies of your documents.

Please be sure to complete all required information on the application form. We will not process incomplete applications.

This program applies to cats and kittens only. Kittens must be over 1.5 kilogram or 3.3pounds in weight (which they won't be until they are at least 8 weeks old).

We cannot spay or neuter sick animals.

We will spay cats which are in heat and those which are in early stage  pregnancy and we strongly recommend doing so. If you think your cat might be pregnant please say so on your application and we will try to get her in on the earliest possible surgery date.Late stage pregnancy we will try assist to best of our abilities.

Complete one Sign In Sheet for each cat or kitten. Be sure that you provide phone numbers that will allow the vet clinic to contact you or get a message to you if necessary on the day of the clinic.

All cats must be in carriers, one for each cat. We will have some carriers available to lend to those who are not able to get one any other way.

We will collect applications until we have enough approved applications . We will then book dates and let everyone who has been approved know where and when it will be. It is absolutely essential that we have valid phone numbers to contact you to notify you of your appointment.

If you have trouble completing your application, please email us . A volunteer will call  or send an e-mail. cowcatrescue@shaw.ca is the email to send all enquiries to. Please watch for voicemail messages or emails from our volunteers trying to reach you .

You can send applications to EMAIL cowcatrescue@shaw.ca  OR  Regular Mail completed application to Cowichan Cat Rescue, PO Box 262 , Cobble Hill BC V0R 1L0

The night before:  Make sure your cat is inside the night before her surgery day.

Adult cats must not eat after midnight, they may have water. Cats which have eaten before surgery will be sent home, due to the risk of choking. Small kittens can have a small meal 4 hours before surgery and water overnight. 

Be prepared for an early start in the morning. All cats must be at the clinic by 800 AM. Cats which are late will be sent home and will go to the bottom of our list. If you are going to have a transportation problem please let us know so we can help solve the problem.

After surgery: Please ask for care instructions when you pick up your cat to take her home. If problems develop please call the vet clinic that performed the surgery. DO NOT give your cat any medications for pain. That has been done by the vet. Human medications like aspirin or Tylenol are extremely dangerous for cats.

You must download and complete BOTH of these files.