By State Representative Joe Gresko (D)
121st Connecticut House District
To All Residents:
The state is inviting low-income residents to apply for a voucher to cover the spaying or neutering of up to two pets. The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) is accepting applications for the Animal Population Control Program’s (APCP) Low-Income Program using the new APCP portal.
The Animal Population Control Program (APCP) aims to reduce the overpopulation of dogs and cats in Connecticut and to increase the level of immunization against infectious animal diseases.
Connecticut is one of only a few states to provide a companion pet sterilization program administered by a state agency for municipal pound animals, feral cats and low-income owned pets.
This site enables eligible individuals and organizations to create an account and apply for assistance. Municipal animal control officers and participating veterinary practices will also utilize the portal to process vouchers.
Pet owners must live in Connecticut and receive benefits through the following programs from Department of Social Services to be eligible for the voucher:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Husky A, C, or D (Medicaid)
- State Administered General Assistance (SAGA)
- Temporary Family Assistance (TANF)
- State Supplement
CT DoAG is encouraging individuals to apply as soon as possible because the program will end once all the funds are used. The voucher is valid for 60 days and provides two vaccinations and a one-time sterilization benefit of $200 for a female dog, $180 for a male dog, $120 for a female cat, and $80 for a male cat. Applicants, including low-income individuals, municipalities, and feral cat organizations, will be able to apply electronically and track the status of their application.
For applications and additional information go to: https://apcp.ct.gov/How-To-Guides/How-To-Register/
As always, if I can be of any assistance, please feel free to contact my office at (860) 240-8585 or email me directly.
People that are not on any state assistance are still struggling with bills. I don’t have to spay or neuter an animal but I have in the past. I believe it should be offered to people who r low income but don’t qualify for those programs.