What is SSNP?

The Subsidized Spay and Neuter Program, or "SSNP" (pronounced "snip") is an initiative of the City of Saskatoon, the Saskatoon Academy of Veterinary Practitioners and the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, who have joined forces to address the issue of numerous unwanted cats and dogs in Saskatoon. This issue arises from the unspayed and unneutered cats and dogs living in our community. Significantly discounted veterinary services and financial resources are being provided to assist low income pet owners who could not otherwise afford to have their pets spayed or neutered. This program is reviewed annually.

A very appreciative “Thank You” is extended to the Saskatoon SPCA, SCAT Street Cat Rescue and New Hope Dog Rescue for their assistance in helping to develop this program.

Click here to download the SSNP overview and application form.

Who is eligible?

Any Saskatoon household whose total household income falls under Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut Offs (LICO).

• One person in family - Total Household Income $19,496
• Two people in family - Total Household Income $24,269
• Three people in family - Total Household Income $29,836
• Four people in family - Total Household Income $36,226
• Five people in family - Total Household Income $41,086
• Six people in family - Total Household Income $46,339
• Seven people or more in family - Total Household Income $51,591

What is required to demonstrate household income?

Each income earner in the household must provide a copy of their most recent Notice of Assessment from Revenue Canada. Before Tax Income (line 150) from each form will be added together to determine the total household income.

What is the fee per pet and who pays the rest?

• A non-refundable payment of $25 per cat or $40 per dog is made by the applicant.
• The veterinarians engaged to perform the surgeries provide their services at a rate discounted by 25% from that normally charged.
• The City funds the balance with proceeds coming from fine revenue for violations of the Animal Control Bylaw and Dangerous Animal Bylaw.

How many spays and neuters will be done under SSNP?

Current funding will allow for approximately 200 surgeries per year. Pet owners are encouraged to apply quickly as the funding will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. When the funding is gone, applications will no longer be accepted.

Is there a limit to the number of pets a household can have done?

This year, the program will pay for a maximum of two pets per household.

What is the process required under this program?

1. Applicant provides completed application form to the Treasurer’s Office at City Hall (222 Third Avenue North – main floor) by mail or in person.
   
   
2. Application must include:
   
   
   1. Evidence of income level - a copy of your most recent Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency.
      
      
   2. Evidence of being a Saskatoon resident – a copy of one of the following that was issued within the last month: Telephone or cable bill; SaskPower or SaskEnergy bill; City of Saskatoon utilities bill.
      
      
3. Applicant will be notified by mail of approval/rejection within approximately two weeks of receipt of the application by the City.
   
   
4. Approved applicants will receive the following forms with their letter indicating approval of their application:
   
   
   1. Surgery Voucher
   2. Surgery Agreement and Waiver
   3. Licence Application (if unlicensed)
      
      
5. The forms outlined in Point 4 above must be completed and brought to the Customer Service Desk (main floor, City Hall) by the approved applicant, where:
   
   
   1. The applicant will pay the non-refundable SSNP fee which covers their portion of the spay/neuter charges - $25 (cat) or $40 (dog). Debit, cash or cheque accepted.
      
      
   2. The Surgery Voucher will be validated.
      
      
   3. The annual pet licence will be provided if required.
      
      
6. Approved applicants book first appointment with participating veterinary clinic.
   
   
7. Approved applicants provide veterinary clinic with validated Surgery Voucher at first visit.
   
   
8. After spay/neuter is complete, veterinary clinic invoices City of Saskatoon for balance of surgery costs.
   
   
9. Approved applicant renews pet licence on an annual basis at regular pet licence rates.

If approved, what are the applicant’s responsibilities?

1. Completing the required forms and taking them to City Hall.
   
   
2. Paying the non-refundable SSNP fee.
   
   
3. Making, keeping, and being on time for veterinary clinic appointments.
   
   
4. Transporting the animal to and from the clinic for all scheduled appointments.
   
   
5. Contacting the clinic 48 hours prior to an appointment if you must cancel or change the appointment.
   
   
6. Providing the veterinary clinic with validated Surgery Voucher at first visit.
   
   
7. Following post operative instructions as provided by the veterinary clinic.
   
   
8. Renewing the pet licence on an annual basis at regular pet licence rates.
   
   

What surgery-related items are covered?

First visit to veterinarian:

• Pre-operative examination to determine suitability for surgery
• If suitable for surgery, relevant vaccines will be administered

Second visit to veterinarian:

• Booster vaccinations
• Surgery
• E-Collar if necessary

How long are SSNP Surgery Vouchers valid?

The SSNP Surgery Vouchers are valid only until the expiry date as listed on the Voucher. The expiry date will be set at 60 days after the approval date indicated in the approval letter.

Is the fee paid by the applicant refundable if the SSNP voucher is not used?

No. The fee paid by the applicant to participate in SSNP is not refundable. The only exception is where death of the pet or pet owner occurs within the 60 day expiry period of the Voucher and the Voucher has not been used. Where this exception occurs, refund claims must be made within 45 days of the expiry of the Surgery Voucher.

Are the SSNP Surgery Vouchers transferable?

No. The SSNP Surgery Vouchers are not transferable to another owner or pet.

NOTICE:  Personal information collected from you is collected in accordance with Part IV of the Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The information will be used to determine eligibility for, and to administer, the Subsidized Spay Neuter Program. Where applicable, you may also be referred to other City of Saskatoon programs or services for which you may be eligible. The application form will be retained on file and all other supporting eligibility documents will be destroyed once they have been reviewed.

The City of Saskatoon reserves the right to verify information provided on the application form. If you have questions or concerns relating to the Subsidized Spay Neuter Program, please call 975-2400.