GDA Now Accepting Applications for the Dog and Cat Sterilization Grant Program

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black announced the Dog and Cat

Sterilization Grant Program for 2013. This program was created to provide

financial assistance for sterilization procedures of companion animals in

Georgia.

“Each year, thousands of healthy, friendly dogs and cats are euthanized because

of overpopulation in shelters,” Black said. “Through these grant funds, GDA

hopes to help ease the burden of municipal animal shelters and nonprofit animal

rescues by increasing the number of dogs and cats sterilized in Georgia. I want

to encourage you and your family to consider providing a home for one of these

animals over the holiday season.”

In 2003, the Georgia General Assembly created the Dog and Cat Reproductive

Sterilization Support Program to help with overpopulation of these animals

through the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats. Funds to support this

program are raised by the sale of Georgia’s dog and cat license plates and the state income tax check off. Since 2003,

more than 70,000 procedures have been performed by 1,200 veterinarians

statewide. These efforts will continue to be expanded through this new grant

program.

 

Grant applications will be assessed by a grant review

committee and funding will be awarded based on the highest priority proposals.

Both the animal and licensed municipal animal shelter or nonprofit animal rescue

organization must reside in Georgia in order to be eligible for the program.

Recipients could receive up to $10,000.

For more information or to apply for the grant, visit

www.agr.georgia.gov/dcsgp.aspx. Applications must be submitted by Dec. 31.