
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Project SNITS programs/services are GRANT-funded by a local foundation to assist Maricopa County residents. We currently do not receive funding for pets/residents outside of MC. If you are outside Maricopa County, feel free to ask for resources; we may be able to point you in the right direction. Also, you may visit www.azpetplates.org for a list of organizations across Arizona who have received spay/neuter funding. They may be able to assist!
Project SNITS strives to assist as many pet owners as possible across Maricopa County. As one of the largest providers of subsidized spay/neuter services in Maricopa County, we must set limits to assist as many animals as possible with our funding.
If you are a representative of an agency and seek assistance for a resident that has more than two pets, please send us a message!
To avoid duplication and maintain proper management of grant funds. Project SNITS vouchers are a specific color, and recognized by partner clinics. These extra steps minimize attempts to commit fraud.
YES, people have tried to copy them through previous programs when provided by email! If approved, your voucher(s) will arrive within 21 days from the day of submission. We do NOT email vouchers.
No, your pet's visit may require the purchase of additional services by the veterinary clinic.
Project SNITS is grant funded, specifically, to subsidize the cost of the spay/neuter and two core vaccinations*, only. All veterinary clinics will require the purchase of post-surgery take-home pain medication and possibly an e-collar (cone) for your pet(s). These requirements can range from $20 - $125. You will have 10+ clinics to choose from. This program and its funding are meant to help alleviate a substantial portion of the spay/neuter costs that prevent many pet owners from having their pets altered. When booking your pet's appointment - be sure to ask questions!
Why doesn't Project SNITS cover everything? Our assistance and programs are grant-funded to address the pet overpopulation crisis we face, with the goal to keep pets in their homes. Though all aspects of the s/n visit are critical - we must focus on the most crucial part of our mission and purpose...and that is the spay/neuter! When funding is available, we will also cover the cost of two core vaccinations, which help reduce the risk of illness in your pets.
We wish we could assist every request; however, with limited funds, we must ask pet parents to make an honest effort to s/n their pets first (through their own efforts), before requesting financial assistance. If a pet was recently obtained, and we’re immediately asked for assistance, it suggests the pet owner has not attempted to alter their pet on their own.
Also, if the pet is a “I just found them” request, we want to ensure there is time for the pet’s owner to find them. Not every lost pet situation is due to poor pet ownership. You can always pass our information on to the pet owner if the animal is returned.
PROJECT SNITS programs, specials, and Voucher Program are for genuine pet owners in true need of financial assistance for their companion pets.
We currently do not require "proof of income," as we acknowledge that many families and individuals earn more than the federal poverty guidelines yet still need assistance to spay/neuter their pets.
We ask that you be honest and ethical in using our funded services and submitting requests for assistance. If you can afford a low-cost spay/neuter - Super! If you cannot and genuinely need Project SNITS to subsidize the cost - please contact us, submit an application for assistance or participate in one of our special S/N Days!
Project SNITS' funding is intended to assist the general public with their pet's spay/neuter needs.
By assisting the general public (where the pets come from), we aim to - keep pets in their homes, avoid accidental litters and roaming pets seeking mates, and provide a healthier life for their pets. All outcomes that decrease the number of pets entering the shelter/rescue system, now and for the future.
*If you choose to spay/neuter your pet at a later time, for your own reasons (breed, having a litter, someone told you to wait)... then please take that time to save up. Our funding is not guaranteed and limited.
Project SNITS funding is for personally owned dogs and cats; not for breeders, sellers, animals within a rescue/shelter organization (501c3 or otherwise) - including fosters, pets in transition of homes, feral/stray/free-roaming/community cats, etc.
We do not condone/support breeding pets for financial purposes. We do not find it ethical or appropriate to request financial assistance when a breeder is making hundreds/thousands of dollars from litters sold. We ask that they use the money they made to sterilize their own pets.
Project SNITS’ purpose is to assist the general public by helping them to spay/neuter their pets and keep them out of shelters and rescues.
Rescue groups and shelters can fundraise using their 501(c)(3) status, whereas the general public cannot.
If you are told that our program or Fix.Adopt.Save. will cover the cost for an adopted pet - Please, know that the statement is a lie! Legitimate adoption organizations are legally required to spay/neuter their pets before adoption.
Please see Arizona Revised Statutes regarding a shelter/rescue group's responsibilities. ARS 11-1022 Requiring the sterilization of adopted pets: https://www.azleg.gov/ars/11/01022.htm
We reimburse our partner clinics for the veterinary services they provide to you, the public, and we do not receive one penny from any animal adoption group. Many low-cost spay/neuter clinics offer “rescue group pricing” to assist animal-welfare groups.
With limited and restricted grant funding, we are focused on helping the general public.
Applicants with recently purchased/obtained pets
Applicants found to be selling pets online as a licensed or backyard breeder
Residents outside of Maricopa County
Previously assisted applicants through this program or Fix.Adopt.Save. (partner program)
Anyone who let previous vouchers expire
Pets found to be within a rescue/shelter group, being rehomed, fostered, etc.
No feral/stray/community/free-roaming felines
Applicant information is cross referenced. If the information on the application is found to be false, the application may be denied.
Please visit our TNR section for information and links to local TNR groups and clinics. We are lucky in Maricopa County to have many spay/neuter clinics that offer surgeries for "Stray/Community cats" at discounted rates.
Please check with your local low-cost spay/neuter clinic for pricing and availability.
Altered Tails provides discounted rates and provides traps (if using their surgical services). A credit card is required to borrow traps.
When funding allows - Core vaccinations are also funded/subsidized by Project SNITS at the time of your pet's spay/neuter surgery.
Core vaccinations include: Rabies Vaccine (for cats/dogs), Parvo/Distemper Combo (dogs) and FVRCP (felines).
This program is identical to the FAS Voucher Program. This year, we'll refer to them as sister programs, as Project SNITS was created by FAS' previous project manager, who implemented and launched the FAS Voucher Program. SH (and program manager) are currently overseeing both programs until all FAS funds are expended (Nov. 2026). Project SNITS, newly created and now funded by NMPCT (under Altered Tails), will continue as the primary provider of county-wide spay/neuter community services. We are EXCITED for this new chapter and Sonia's new role at Altered Tails, while continuing on her legacy of helping the community!

