The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) estimates that between six and eight million cats and dogs enter shelters each year. Of those, only between three and four million are adopted. The population rates for companion animals can quickly spiral:

• Average number of litters a fertile cat can produce in one year: 3
• Average number of kittens in a feline litter: 4-6
• Average number of litters a fertile dog can have in one year: 2
• Average number of puppies in a canine litter: 6-10

HSSCM's Low Income Spay and Neuter (LISN) Program is targeted to individuals and families at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines:

For family units of more than eight members, add $5,610 for each additional family member.

Families must reside in Calhoun County. At this time, the program is only for cats and aggressive breed dogs (pits/pit mixes, rotts, chows, etc.). If additional funding is received, the program may be extended to other non-aggressive dog breeds.

Interested individuals must call 269.963.1796 to set up an appointment for intake. Intake appointments are scheduled Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:30am to 5:00pm. The individual completing the income verification form must be aged 18 or older. INDIVIDUALS MUST BRING A NON-REFUNDABLE $10 DEPOSIT PER ANIMAL WITH THEM TO THE APPOINTMENT. The $10 deposit will be taken off the total amount on the day of surgery. If less than 24 hours notice of cancellation on day of surgery is provided, the individual will lose their deposit and be removed from the program.

The following sources of income should be considered when calculating the total household income, and must be included for every person living in the household:

• Wages, salaries, tips, commissions, etc.
• Self-employment from own non-farm business, including proprietorships and partnerships
• Farm self-employment income
• Interest, dividends, net rental income or income from estates or trusts
• Social Security and/or railroad retirement
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SSD, Aid to Families with Dependent Children or any other public assistance or public welfare programs
• Retirement, survivor or disability pensions
• Any other sources of income received regularly including Veterans' (VA) payments, unemployment compensation, child support or alimony

Individuals must bring with them to the appointment:

• Driver's license or state ID
• 2009 IRS tax forms (filed by April 2010 - if not yet filed, W2s are acceptable)
• Written verification of TANF income or DHS notification
• Social Security or Disability award statements
• Child support payment or alimony award letters
• Unemployment award letters
• At least two of the most recent pay stubs or earnings statements supplied by employer

Direct deposit slips, bank statements or handwritten accounts are NOT acceptable as proof of income - you must provide yearly award letter. If you do not have your award letter, you will need to contact your case worker prior to scheduling an appointment.

Once the income verfication appointment has been completed and the $10 per animal deposit has been collected, you will be scheduled for surgery. Total costs for the program: male cats, $20, female cats, $40, male and female dogs, $40. If your animal is in heat or pregnant on the day of surgery, you will be charged an additional $10. If your animal has fleas, we will need to treat prior to surgery and you will be charged an additional $10.

Appointments for income verification and surgery are based on a first come, first served basis. Through this grant funding, we will be able to provide services for $125 animals. We are currently seeking additional funding to expand this program.