January 13, 2015

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) - The Missouri Department of Agriculture has grants for 2015 available to animal shelters, rescue groups and other non-profit organizations for spay and neuter services.

The Pet Spay and Neuter Program helps animal shelters, humane societies and non-profit groups with the costs of spaying and neutering animals.

Last year, the Department provided $25,000 for spay and neuter initiatives through this program.  Applications for 2015 grants are available now through the March 2, 2015, deadline.

The required forms and instructions for preparing an application are available on the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s website at agriculture.mo.gov.  This year’s process has been simplified, allowing qualified organizations to complete their application electronically.

The Pet Spay & Neuter program is funded through the sales of “I’m Pet Friendly” license plates through the Missouri Department of Revenue.  Each sale of the plate donates $20 to the Missouri Pet Spay & Neuter Fund, which is administered by the Missouri Department of Agriculture. 

The plates are available to Missouri residents making a donation to the program.  You may obtain the “I’m Pet Friendly” license plates throughout the year at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) - a renewal notice is not necessary.  This is the sixth consecutive year grants have been made available through the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Licensed animal shelters and non-profit spay and neuter initiatives are eligible to apply. Grants help organizations provide spay and neuter services to the animals they receive prior to making the animals available for adoption. Grant funds may also be used to assist low income pet owners who cannot afford these vital veterinary services.

For more information, please visit the Missouri Department of Agriculture online at agriculture.mo.gov.

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