Spaying & Neutering 


​Spaying or neutering surgeries can be costly. Fortunately, you may avail of a Spay/Neuter voucher  provided by the City of Midland and Midland County for significant savings on your pet's surgery.

What is Spaying/Neutering?

​Spaying (females) or neutering (males) renders the animal incapable of reproducing.  

Spaying pertains to sterilizing female animals by removing the reproductive organs including the ovaries, fallopian tubes & uterus. It is typically performed on an animal between the age of 8 weeks and 6 months. There is no maximum age limit on spaying, but an animal must be healthy to make it through the surgery without any complications. 

Neutering pertains to sterilizing male animals by removing the testes, also referred to as castration. The penis is not operated on during this procedure, and the outer sac that once held the testes is left in place. It is typically performed on an animal over the ages of 8 weeks and 6 months. It can be performed on older animals as long as it is healthy in order to be able to recover from surgery.

Why Spay/Neuter my pet?

Having your pet spayed or neutered ensures that you won’t be adding to the problem of overpopulation of cats and dogs.  Thousands of pets end up homeless and are euthanized because shelters are overburdened and there aren’t enough homes willing to take them. Spaying/neutering is a proactive, humane solution to the problem of pet overpopulation. As well, there are many health benefits associated with this surgery. 

Benefits of Spaying/Neutering
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Many pet owners cringe at the thought of spaying or neutering their pet, but the lifetime of behavioral, health and practical benefits to doing so far outweigh the brief moment of discomfort that your pet may endure. Your pet will be healthier, happier and will live longer when you choose to spay or neuter them. 

BENEFITS OF SPAYING FEMALES
  • Reduce the risk of breast, ovarian or uterine cancer, especially if done before the first heat cycle   
  • Avoid certain behavioral issues such as aggression and moodiness,  that occur when a female is in heat
  • Prevent unwanted pregnancies, which can be a strain on your female pet's body and sometimes your budget
  • Prevent hormone-driven stray males from breaking into your backyard to seek out your female in heat
  • Prevent or control outbreaks of non-contagious demodex (a.k.a. genetic) mange in carrier dogs, due to eliminating heat cycles and reducing stress on your female pet's body
  • Help control the pet overpopulation by preventing unwanted pregnancies 

BENEFITS OF NEUTERING MALES
  • Prevent testicular cancer and prostate disease
  • Reduce the risk of hormone-driven males roaming -- escaping and tracking down females in heat to mate with -- and prevent injuries, accidents, death that may occur 
  • Stop or reduce the urge to mark/spray when males are neutered earlier in life
  • Reduce stress and sexual frustration when surrounding females go into heat (no more annoying and embarrassing humping!)
  • Reduce aggressive behavior towards other pets and people 
  • Help control the pet overpopulation by preventing unwanted pregnancies 

​Cost of Spaying/Neutering

Spaying or neutering surgeries typically range from $75 - $300, depending on your veterinarian clinic. 

Fortunately,  $70 SPAY & NEUTER VOUCHERS  are available to ALL residents of the City of Midland and Midland County. You may apply this voucher toward the cost of spaying or neutering your pet at participating veterinarians.

How to Claim Spay & Neuter Vouchers

For City of Midland Residents
Within Midland city limits, Midland Animal Services will provide pet owners with a voucher worth $70 to have their pet spayed or neutered. 

To qualify for the voucher:
  • The owner of the pet(s) must live within the City of Midland and provide proof of address in the form of a utility, phone, or cable bill.  A driver's license will NOT be accepted as proof.
  • The owner must provide vaccination records showing the date a licensed veterinarian has given the pet its current vaccinations as recommended.
  • Pet(s) must be wearing a current license when brought in to Animal Services and the owner must provide proof of the date it was issued.

To Request a City of Midland Voucher Online, click here.

VOUCHER EXPIRATION
The vouchers are good for 14 days from the date of issuance.  Please make appointments and any necessary pre-exams with your veterinarian before getting your voucher.   Vouchers are issued Monday through Friday during regular business hours only.


For Midland County Residents 
Outside city limits, Midland County will provide pet owners with a voucher worth $70 to have their pet spayed or neutered. You need to take your pet to a participating veterinarian (list below) to avail of the voucher. 

To qualify for the voucher:
  • The owner of the pet(s) must live within in Midland County and provide proof of address in the form of a utility, phone, or cable bill.  A driver's license will NOT be accepted as proof.
  • The pet must receive or be current on vaccinations and have a microchip/eartip.  Owner will need to provide record of the vaccinations and the rabies license number, along with the microchip number, will be logged onto the form.
    Required Vaccinations for dogs: Rabies, Parvo, and Distemper
    Required Vaccinations for cats: Rabies, Feline Leukemia, Panleukopenia, Calicivirus, and Rhinotracheitis

A County Voucher may only be used when the pet receives all three of the following procedures:  a) spay/neuter procedure; b) microchip (or eartip for feral cats); and c) vaccinations.  If your pet already has a microchip and/or is current on their vaccinations, the entire $70 will be applied toward the spay/neuter surgery. 

Spay/Neuter Voucher PARTICIPATING VETERINARIANS
*All Vets are welcome to participate in our County Voucher Program. If your vet is not listed here, please have them contact MHC at 432-558-8255 and we can help get them set up.

Having Stray/Feral Cats Spayed or Neutered

​If you are a concerned citizen who wants to help control pet overpopulation in Midland, you may want to be part of our  our Trap, Neuter Release Program. 

Once you have carefully and humanely trapped a cat,  you may use a voucher to get it spayed or neutered. Note that feral cats will not be microchipped; their ear will be tipped to signify that they have already been altered. You may then release the altered feral cat back to its outdoor habitat. 

Questions?

For Midland County Voucher Program, contact MHC at 432.558.8255 (leave voicemail or text and we will return your call) or email  [email protected]

For City of Midland Vouchers, you may contact Midland Animal Services.
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