Walker County Launches Spay/Neuter Voucher Program to Combat the Crisis of Unwanted Animals

Walker County is making vouchers available to residents for free spay/neuter services for their companion animals. The vouchers are accepted at participating veterinarian offices in Walker County and will also cover the cost of microchipping and rabies vaccination.

“The shelter will have 40 vouchers available to give out each month,” said Angie Teems, Chairwoman of the Walker County Board of Commissioners. “We want to help our citizens, and this is one way we hope to be part of the solution to the overpopulation of unwanted dogs and cats in our community.”

74% of the 1,227 dogs and 93% of the 884 cats taken in by the Walker County Animal Shelter in 2024 were surrendered by their owners, creating a crisis for the shelter. Spaying or neutering domestic animals is the most humane solution to combat the overpopulation of unwanted dogs and cats.

The Walker County Animal Shelter accepts requests from residents for the spay/neuter voucher on a first come, first served basis. Those who receive a voucher are responsible for making an appointment with a participating veterinarian and transporting their dog or cat for care.

The following locations accept the county’s voucher for animal services: Chickamauga Veterinary Clinic, Cornerstone Veterinary Service in Rock Spring, Main Street Veterinary Clinic in LaFayette and Villanow Animal Clinic. Additional locations will be added this month. A list of participating veterinarian offices is available on the county’s website.

This new program is funded entirely through donations. Teems encourages those who want to improve animal welfare in Walker County to make a contribution to the voucher program, as controlling the pet population will lead to less animals being housed at the shelter. Donations can be made directly to the voucher program by credit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Paypal and Venmo through an online shop on the county’s website at walkercountyga.gov/sheltershop.

Teems also encourages residents to learn more about the benefits of spay/neuter, since it also promotes the health of companion animals by reducing the risk of future medical problems and expenses stemming from things like testicular cancer, uterine infections, and ovarian and breast cancers.