Spay/Neuter Voucher Program

One of the important benefits of altering your pet is to prevent unwanted pregnancies. By limiting the animal population, we decrease euthanasia, which is the most common cause of death of healthy dogs and cats in the United States.

Veterinary studies have shown that there are definite health benefits to altering your pet. Females are far less likely to develop cancer if they have been spayed. Male animals also benefit from neutering by lowering the risk of prostate infections, abscesses and cancerous tumors.

How does the Spay/Neuter Voucher Program work?

One dollar from every animal license paid in San Mateo County is placed in the Animal Population Trust Fund to assist residents with the cost of spay/neuter surgery for pets. Vouchers are also available to assist with spay/neuter costs for the feral cat population.

How do I get a voucher?

To request a voucher please download, fill out, and mail the request form in English or Spanish or call (650) 573-3940 and leave the following information:

• Full name
• Mailing address, please include city and zip code
• Telephone number
• How many vouchers you require
• What type of animal do you need a voucher for: dog, cat or feral cat, rabbit, guinea pig, etc.

A maximum of six (6) feral cat vouchers can be given out to an individual in a given month. Please tell us where you are trapping the feral cats when you call. Individuals are limited to ten (10) domestic animal vouchers per year. Once your request is received, you will be placed on a waiting list.  As soon as funds become available, the vouchers will be mailed to you.

Once you receive the vouchers, you should make an appointment with one of our participating clinics below to have the surgery performed. Vouchers cover some or all of the surgery costs. Often clinics have co-payments. Ask in advance what fees you will be responsible for paying. Please note: vouchers expire. Look at the expiration date on your voucher when making your appointment.

Participating Clinics

• This is a list of the clinics that currently participate in the Spay/Neuter Assistance Program and accept vouchers. Before making an appointment, San Mateo County recommends that you contact the clinic to confirm they are still participating in the program.
• Vouchers do not necessarily cover the entire cost and there may be a co-pay for domestic animals. When you make an appointment, be sure to clarify what your share of the expense will be.
• There may be an additional fee to cover testing, vaccinations, or exam fees.
• Your voucher is valid for 2 months from the issue date. If you are unable to use your voucher, it has expired without redeeming, or if you need an extension, please call 650-573-3940 and provide us with the voucher number and if you need to void or extend.

What if I can’t use the voucher by the expiration date?

Call (650) 573-3940 and tell us the voucher number that cannot be used and the voucher will become void. The funds will be redistributed so that another pet owner or feral cat advocate can receive assistance. You can also ask to be placed back on the wait list or, when possible, receive an extension.