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ASPCA Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinics FAQ
For pet owners receiving public assistance:
The ASPCA offers low-cost spay/neuter surgery via five fully-equipped mobile veterinary clinics that will travel directly to your neighborhood! Our mission is to put an end to the tragic euthanasia of adoptable animals within New York City's five boroughs by addressing the animal crisis at its source—in the heart of the city's local communities.
Recognizing that many of the most serious overpopulation and animal health crises arise in neighborhoods with limited access to veterinary care and education on animal issues, the ASPCA will bring these services directly to such communities.
View our interactive Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinics Calendar.
Who qualifies?
Low income pet owners in New York City's five boroughs with proof of public assistance such as Welfare, Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, Disability, Food Stamps, or Public Housing qualify. Unemployment does not qualify. If you do not have proof of public assistance, a $75 per animal fee is required.
Which services are provided?
- Spay or neuter procedure.
- Rabies vaccine (must be provided unless pet owner can prove up-to-date vaccination record. NYC law.)
- Distemper vaccine
- E-collar
- Microchip
- Nail trim
This is an all-inclusive fee. Clients can choose which services their pets need, however the fee for clients not on public assistance will remain the same.
What do I do when I get to the location?
We can serve up to 25 animals per day on a first-come, first-served basis, and you must arrive early to wait in line for intake. We suggest you arrive at the location before 7:00 A.M. The ASPCA mobile clinic program encourages New York City residents to spay or neuter ALL the cats and dogs in your household. You are welcome to bring all your pets to the mobile clinic location of your choice, but due to the high demand for our services, a policy of two pets maximum per household per clinic day may be applied. An ASPCA representative will arrive before 8:00 A.M. to help you sign up to have your pet taken care of. Be prepared to wait approximately two hours for intake. While you are waiting, please be courteous and considerate of our neighbors and local residents.
What animals will you accept?
We WILL spay/neuter:
- Healthy dogs and cats
- Puppies and kittens as long as they are eight weeks old and weigh at least two pounds
- Female cats in heat
- Pregnant cats and dogs depending on the health of the animal and term of the pregnancy
- Large dogs
We WON'T spay/neuter:
- Ferrets, rabbits, and other animals
- Unhealthy or contagious animals…no coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, runny noses, mange, and/or ringworm.
- Female dogs in heat (wait one month after her period ends to spay her)
- Female dogs and cats who are nursing puppies and kittens (wait one month after she has weaned her litter before she can be spayed)
- Male animals with only one testicle
- Animals over five years old, unless they have bloodwork from a veterinarian done within six months that shows that they are in good health and can endure anesthesia
What do I need to bring?
- Bring proof of public assistance and a picture ID with proof that you are 18 or over. If you are bringing a pet for someone who is disabled or elderly, make sure to have their public assistance proof and picture ID.
- Bring all cats in carriers, with one cat per carrier. Bring dogs on leashes.
- Bring money to purchase an ecollar to put on your pet after surgery. An ecollar is a plastic cone that fits around your pet's neck to prevent your pet from licking its stiches and causing an infection. Bring $3 per cat and small dog and $5 per medium and large dog.
How do I prepare my pet for surgery?
For animal(s) less than 4 months of age feed small meal at about 6am on the morning of surgery. For animal(s) greater than 4 months of age, remove food from animal at midnight prior to surgery. Do not withhold water at any time prior to admission of surgery.
How do I take care of my pet after surgery?
When your pet is discharged from the mobile clinic, you will be given a list of instructions explaining post operative care. You can also download them here:
- English Version
- Spanish Version
How can I reserve the mobile clinic for my community?
If you are a community leader in a low income community and would like to sponsor the mobile clinic, all you need to do is find a parking spot large enough to accommodate for our 37' mobile clinic. This location should also be easy for pet owners to travel to and be in an area where the public can easily see the clinic. Please contact the Program Coordinator at (212) 876-7700, ext 4319.
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