Helps eligible Vermonters afford to have their dogs and cats spayed or neutered.
SPECIAL NOTE: VSNIP is funded by a $4 fee added to the cost of getting a dog license in Vermont. It is the program's only source of funding. Available funds are therefore limited by the number of dogs licensed each year. Dogs are legally required to be licensed by the age of 6 months. They must have a rabies vaccine to get a license. They should get their first rabies vaccine between the age of 12 weeks and 6 months.
Who Is Eligible
To be eligible, you must:
- Live in Vermont.
- Have acquired your pet for free or just a small fee.
- Get certain public benefits or have household income at or below 185% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.
If Your Application Is Approved
You'll get vouchers that allow you to get your dogs/cats spayed or neutered for a $27 copay per animal.
How To Apply
- Print the application or save it on your computer. You don't have to print it in color.
- Complete it by hand or electronically and then sign it.
- Mail your completed application, along with supporting documents and a self-addressed, stamped envelope, to the address below.
- If your application is complete, it will be processed within five (5) business days.
***If You Need A Paper Application***
Send the following to the address at the bottom of this page:
- Your request for an application. Indicate if it's for a cat, dog, or both.
- An empty, unsealed envelope with your name & address written in the middle of it and a stamp pasted on the top right corner.
How The Program Works
- Your application is not approved until you get the voucher in the mail.
- Once you get your voucher, make an appointment with a participating vet right away.
- The voucher must be used within 60 days.
- If the surgery cannot be done within the 60 days, call VSNIP at (802) 672-5302 to get an extension.
What Your Copay Covers
Your copay covers a pre-surgical exam, pain management before and during surgery, the surgery, an overnight stay if needed, a distemper vaccine series, one rabies vaccination and suture removal after surgery.
What Your Copay Does Not Cover
It does not cover:
- Pain management after surgery
- Optional procedures such as a blood panel
- Procedures associated with complications that arise during or after surgery (e.g., animal in heat or pregnant, fleas & ticks, parasites, infection and incision repair)
Ask about all possible charges that are not covered by VSNIP, before the surgery. You may decline any recommended optional procedures and consult with other vets.
It’s Very Important That You
- Keep your appointment. Call right away if you need to reschedule.
- Bring the voucher and $27 copay to the vet's office —on or before the day of the surgery.
- Print this list of things to remember before the surgery.