Q. What is the
Animal Population Control Program (APCP)?
The APCP was created by
a state law in 1992 and implemented on May
22, 1995. The program provides low-cost
vaccination / sterilization benefits for any unsterilized dog or cat adopted from a
Connecticut municipal impound facility.
The APCP intends to:
-
REDUCE the
overpopulation of unwanted dogs and cats
-
REDUCE the cost and
burden to towns coping with pet
overpopulation
-
REDUCE the spread
of rabies through population control and
immunizations
-
INCREASE the
effectiveness of Animal Control
Departments through education and law
enforcement
Q. How does one
receive benefits?
After selecting a pet
and paying the $45 adoption fee at the
pound, an eligible owner will receive a
vaccination/sterilization voucher. The
animal and voucher should be taken to a
participating veterinarian as soon as
possible for a health examination and to
schedule a date for sterilization. All pets
must be sterilized within 60 days from the
adoption date to receive benefits. Pets that
are too young or sick may be granted a
medical extension from the veterinarian.
Q. What does the
voucher provide?
The voucher provides a
one-time sterilization fee of $50 for a male
cat, $70 for a female cat, $100 for a male
dog and $120 for a female dog. In addition,
up to two pre-surgical vaccinations will be
provided coincident with sterilization. A
voucher becomes void if not used within 60
days or is transferred.
Q. Does the program
cover other veterinary services?
No. In fact, the
eligible owner shall pay the veterinarian
the difference between the voucher and the
normal sterilization fee. The veterinarian
may also have customary charges for services
associated with surgery including medical
complications.
Q. What happens if
my veterinarian is not a participant in the
program?
An eligible owner may
use the services of a nonparticipating
veterinarian, but will be responsible for
all costs.
Q. How is the
Program funded?
Q. Does Connecticut
still have a pet overpopulation problem?
Great strides have been
made over the past 25 years helping to
reduce the surplus pet problem, while more
than 20,000 stray dogs and cats still end up
in Connecticut pounds each year. Though
spay/neuter programs have become more
successful, they are not 100%.
Q. Is Connecticut
the only state to operate a population
control program?
Connecticut is only one
of a few states nationwide to offer
spay/neuter benefits. New Jersey was first
in 1984 and still operates a very successful
program. Many municipal and county
governments offer similar programs across
the country as do various private
organizations.
FACTS ABOUT SPAY/NEUTER
-
Spay
(ovariohysterectomy)
An operation involving the complete
removal of both ovaries and the uterus
of the female animal.
-
Neuter (castration)
An operation involving the surgical
removal of both testicles of a male
animal.
-
Dogs and cats
should be spayed or neutered prior to 6
months of age. The Connecticut
Veterinary Medical Association supports
the concept of early spay/neuter for the
benefit of overpopulation problems in
shelters and impound facilities.
-
Sterilized animals
do not become fat or lazy. Metabolism
can be affected, which should lead to
regular exercise and a reduction in food
consumption.
-
A pet's disposition
may change by becoming more gentle and
affectionate, while having no effect on
intelligence.
-
Sterilization
increases a pet's life expectancy.
Spaying eliminates a female's chances of
developing uterine infections and
mammary cancer. Neutered males usually
become less aggressive, decreasing the
urge to roam or fight.
-
Having a female dog
or cat spayed is simpler if the animal
has not had a litter. "Just one litter"
does not make a happier pet and
contributes to the pet overpopulation
problem.
