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?"
Not at this time .

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:
 
1 person ------------------------------------       $20,822.00
2 persons ------------------------------------     $25,921.00
3 persons -----------------------------------      $31,866.00
4 persons -----------------------------------      $38,691.00
5 persons -----------------------------------      $43,883.00
6 persons -----------------------------------      $49,493.00
7 persons -----------------------------------      $55,103.00
 
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 $15.00 each. The $15.00 in cash must be included with the application and will be returned if the application is not approved. If you cannot pay the $15.00 per cat or any part of it, please complete the application anyway. We have some limited funding which might be available for those who cannot pay the user fee.

You will need to provide proof of your income from all sources. You may submit photocopies of your documents if you do not wish to give up your originals.

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 1.2 kilogram or 2.6 pounds 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 for a clinic day. We will then book a date 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 call us at 250-743-6500 and leave a message. A volunteer will call you back. Or send an e-mail to cowcatrescue@shaw.ca 

Mail completed application to Cowichan Cat Rescue, PO Box 677, Duncan, BC V9L 3Y1

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

Adult cats must not eat after midnight. Cats which have eaten before surgery will be sent home, due to the risk of choking. Small kittens can have food and water overnight. 

Be prepared for an early start in the morning. All cats must be at the clinic before 800 AM. Cats which are late will be sent home and will have to be rescheduled. 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.