Spay & Neuter

Spay and Neuter Program

A simple procedure makes a big difference!

Thousands of healthy dogs and cats are euthanized in the San Francisco Bay Area every year due to overpopulation. Spaying and neutering, or sterilizing, dogs and cats is an important way to reduce pet overpopulation. Sterilizing dogs and cats reduces their risk of reproductive cancers and can contribute to longer lifespans. Palo Alto Humane’s Spay and Neuter program offers low-cost and subsidized spay and neuter services through our network of partner veterinarians. Grants are available for both community cats, companion cats, and dogs.

Before applying for subsidized spay and neuter services, please read the eligibility requirements below.

A single unaltered female cat can have up to 100 kittens during her lifetime (and her female offspring can each have up to 100 kittens in their lifetime, and so on).

So far in 2025, Palo Alto Humane has funded over 600 spays and neuters for dogs and cats in the community. The average cost to spay or neuter a cat is $200 and the average cost for a dog can be hundreds of dollars, depending on their size.

Donate to Palo Alto Humane and support our spay and neuter efforts!
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Eligibility Requirements

Requirements for pet parent or guardian:

    1. Pet parent or guardian must be a resident of Santa Clara County.
    2. Pet parent or guardian must be at least 18 years of age.

Requirements for felines:

    • Felines must be at least 3.5 lbs or 12 weeks old prior to the surgery date.
    • Felines must be at least 16 weeks of age in Santa Clara County to receive a rabies vaccine.
    • Animal must not have any other medical issues that will prevent the animal from undergoing surgery.

Requirements for canines:

    • Male canines must have both testicles descended.
    • Female canines must not be in heat.
    • Animal must not have any other medical issues that will prevent the animal from undergoing surgery.

To apply for a spay/neuter voucher (which may be a reduced cost or completely subsized), please complete this application.

  • The Palo Alto Humane Spay and Neuter Program covers only the cost of the spay or neuter procedure and the rabies vaccine.
  • The procedure will only be covered if it is completed at one of PAH’s partner veterinarians.
  • Each household may spay or neuter up to 2 pets through this program within 1 calendar year.
  • Please help us by taking photos and videos of the animal receiving care before, during, and after treatment and recovery. These photos help Palo Alto Humane’s fundraising efforts so we can help more pets and their families.
  • The Palo Alto Humane Spay and Neuter Program covers only the cost of the spay or neuter procedure and the rabies vaccine.
  • The procedure will only be covered if it is completed at one of PAH’s partner veterinary clinics.
  • Palo Alto Humane will fund spay and neuter for the first 8 rescue individuals or organizations that submit an application on the first of the month.
    • Each individual or organization is capped at altering 2 felines and/or exotic animals or 1 canine per month.

After reading the elibility requirements above, fill out this application if you need a spay or neuter voucher for a stray or community animal.

Honoring one woman’s love for neighborhood cats

Palo Alto Humane honors Reine Flexer, a lifelong advocate for homeless and abandoned cats. Reine Flexer, from Palo Alto, was a professor of French at UC Berkeley. When she wasn’t teaching, she worked tirelessly to improve the lives of homeless cats. She ensured the cats were spayed and neutered, placed kittens and tame strays in homes when possible, and cared for other cats without homes. Reine’s compassion undoubtedly helped thousands of cats and kittens during her lifetime.

Thank you, Reine, for your dedication to combating overpopulation and improving the lives of homeless cats and kittens across the region.

Donate to Palo Alto Humane and support the efforts of our Spay and Neuter Program.

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