Affordable Care to Keep Your Pet Happy & Healthy
Spaying and neutering your pet is one of the most effective ways to ensure their long-term health and help reduce pet overpopulation. The SPCA of Northern Nevada offers high-quality, affordable spay and neuter services for local, income-qualified pet guardians, making it easier for you to access this essential care your pet deserves.
SNYPS Spay & Neuter Program
Schedule an appointment for an affordable spay/neuter surgery with our in-house clinic, located at 4950 Spectrum Blvd.
Partner Clinic Spay & Neuter Vouchers
Apply for an affordable spay/neuter voucher, redeemable at one of our partner veterinary clinics.
Do You Qualify?
Residency
You must be a permanent resident of northern Nevada, which includes: Washoe, Humboldt, Elko, Pershing, Lander, Eureka, White Pine, Storey, Lyon, Churchill, Douglas, Mineral, and northern Nye.
Income-Qualified
Your combined household income must be at or below $60,000 (all household sources of income).
Ownership
You must be the legal owner of your pet. Your pet must be 12 years or younger.
(This program is only available for individuals, not breeders nor rescues.)
Pricing & Requirements
Dogs
$130
- Proof of DAPP vaccine required at check-in.
- Puppies must be at least 8 weeks old
- Mothers can be spayed 8 weeks post-whelping
- Dogs over 99 lbs are not permitted
Cats
$50
- Proof of FVRCP vaccine required at check-in.
- Kittens must be at least 8 weeks old and weigh at least 2 lbs.
- Mothers can be spayed 8 weeks post-whelping.
*Starting June 1, 2025, we will be charging $20 for FVRCP vaccines.
Why Spay/Neuter
Behavioral Benefits:
Helps reduce aggression, roaming, and unwanted behaviors like marking or mounting by lowering hormone-driven instincts. Pets are often calmer, more focused, and easier to train.
Community Benefits:
Helps prevent pet overpopulation by reducing unplanned litters, which in turn lowers the number of animals entering shelters. This plays a crucial role in decreasing the number of homeless pets and those at risk of euthanasia.
Health Benefits:
Reduces the risk of reproductive cancers and life-threatening infections, helping to ensure your pet lives a longer, healthier life with fewer medical issues and costly vet visits.
Spay & Neuter FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
In-house SNYPS appointments and voucher applications open once a month and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis for qualifying applicants. Due to incredibly high demand, we release appointments & vouchers monthly to give more people a chance to access affordable spay/neuter services. To learn when appointments and vouchers open for each program, please visit the links at the top of this page.
The SNYPS Program provides spay/neuter surgeries at the SPCA-NN’s in-house clinic. You book directly with us, and your pet is seen at our location on Spectrum Blvd.
The Voucher Program allows qualified pet guardians to purchase a low-cost voucher that can be redeemed for surgery at one of our trusted partner veterinary clinics in the Reno/Sparks area.
Both programs offer affordable options — the main difference is where your pet receives care.
We recommend that you spay/neuter your cats once they reach 2lbs, and dogs after they are 8 weeks old. Mothers can be spayed 8 weeks post-whelping.
Your pet will be under general anesthesia during the entire procedure, so they won’t feel any pain during surgery. Afterward, some mild discomfort is normal, but pain management is provided to keep them as comfortable as possible. Most pets recover quickly and are back to their usual selves within a few days. Our team takes every precaution to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being throughout the process.
Most pets recover from spay/neuter surgery within 10–14 days. In the first day or two, your pet may be sleepy or less active — this is completely normal. Mild swelling or discomfort is also expected.
All pets must recover indoors, even if they are typically outdoor animals. It’s important to keep the incision site clean, dry, and protected from infection. Activity should also be limited — no running, jumping, or rough play during recovery.
Detailed post-op instructions will be provided when you pick up your pet, and our team is happy to answer any questions to help ensure a smooth recovery. Most pets start feeling better within a few days and return to their normal routines shortly after.
*Pain meds may be described per veterinarian discretion.
What’s included in your pet’s spay/neuter surgery depends on the clinic providing the service. For details about our in-house packages, please visit our SNYPS program page. If you’re using a voucher, contact the partner clinic directly to learn what their pricing includes..
This program is for individual pet owners only. Animal welfare organizations, rescues, and breeders are not eligible.
We deeply value our incredible veterinary partners and aim to collaborate—not compete—for the well-being of pets in our community. Northern Nevada’s growing, pet-loving population needs a strong network of thriving veterinary and pet-related services. Our community programs are designed to support those who can’t otherwise afford care, helping them keep their beloved pets healthy and at home. We’re here to help people be the best pet parents they can be AND a vital partner in a compassionate, pet-friendly community!
Our resources are limited, so we must prioritize them thoughtfully. We focus on helping those who can’t otherwise afford essential services or who may not yet understand their importance. Fortunately, there are other resources available for those who fall outside our scope. We also collaborate extensively with a strong coalition of partner organizations to support pets and their people in many ways—far beyond our Adoption Center’s walls!
Yes! Northern Nevada is home to several organizations that offer support for pet owners, including affordable spay/neuter services, low-cost vaccine and microchip clinics, behavioral help, and financial assistance for veterinary care. Click here to learn more!