Other Resources for Pet Owners

OTHER LOW COST/FREE SPAY AND NEUTER OPTIONS

In addition to the projects funded by the MDA, there are many other high-quality, low-cost and/or free spay and neuter programs and clinics throughout Maryland, as well as in surrounding states. We encourage you to contact your county's animal shelter(s), who may know of these low cost/free surgery options, or other programs in your area.

You may also visit the United Spay Alliance List of Clinics, a regularly updated list of low cost spay neuter clinics and programs, by state and county.

BEFORE/AFTER YOUR PET'S SURGERY

These helpful guides can help you prepare for your pet's surgery and recovery, so that you can both have a low-stress and safe spay or neuter experience:

Before Surgery: What to Know (ASPCA)

After Surgery: How to Care for Your Pet (ASPCA)

LICENSING YOUR PETS

It is vitally important to comply with your county's pet licensing law. Why?

If your pet goes missing, having them licensed drastically improves your chances of getting them back as quickly as possible. A license tag on your pet's collar helps animal control agencies and shelters quickly identify your pet and get them back to you safely, especially after an incident such as a fire, flood, home break-in, car accident, etc. In addition, having an ID tag on your pet, and especially a microchip with your information kept current, are extra precautions recommended to ensure your pet gets back to you as quickly as possible - they can even possibly prevent your pet from ever having to step foot inside a shelter!
License tags let people know that your pet is up to date on its rabies vaccinations. A pet cannot be licensed unless it is properly vaccinated against rabies.
It's the law. If you get caught without a license, which can and does happen, you may have to pay a hefty fine. Many counties in Maryland have substantial fees if your pet is unlicensed, and the cost of the license is far less than the penalty for being caught without one.
Many counties and cities in Maryland that require licenses will give you a great discount on your pet's license if your pet is spayed or neutered.

For information regarding licensing your pets and your county's requirements for licensing, please contact the animal control agency or shelter in your county.

Find a list of Maryland animal shelters here: Maryland Animal Control Facilities