The Missouri Department of Agriculture now has grants for 2011 available to animal shelters, rescue groups and other non-profit organizations for spay and neuter services. This will be the third year for the program.

Missouri's Pet Spay and Neuter Program is designed to help animal shelters, humane societies and non-profit rescues with costs for spaying and neutering. Applications for the 2011 grants are being accepted through January 31, 2011. Copies of the required forms and instructions for preparing an application are available on the Missouri Department of Agriculture's website.

"The Pet Spay and Neuter program is one more example of our commitment to animal welfare in our state," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "The Missouri Department of Agriculture is proud to provide assistance to shelters, rescues and non-profits across Missouri. In 2010, the Department was able to provide $25,000 for Missouri shelters and rescue groups."

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.

Recipients have one thing in common: They are dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation and pet suffering caused by overpopulation while also improving animal welfare. Grants help each organization 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.

"By focusing on animal shelters and low-cost spay neuter initiatives, including our charitable organizations, we are making a difference for animals that may have otherwise gone without this veterinary care," Director Hagler said. "Past recipients have used the grants to boost their efforts in our communities, specifically expanding initiatives to promote animal welfare."

The 2010 recipients included the Humane Society of St. Joseph and Buchanan County, Friends of Animals Humane Society of Eldon, Operation Spot, Incorporated of St. Louis, Spay and Neuter Kansas City, 7 Bells Sanctuary Incorporated of Cole Camp and the Humane Society of Ray County in Richmond.

For more information, please contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture or visit mda.mo.gov.