Due to a generous grant from the Wiscasset-based Elizabeth Ann Leach Charitable Trust, the Animal Welfare Society’s Cleo Fund (AWS/Cleo Fund) is expanding its spay/neuter resources for residents of Lincoln County, Maine.

Through a voucher system, the AWS/Cleo Fund regularly offers reduced cost spay/neuter surgeries to income-qualified individuals statewide. Vouchers are given out on a first come, first served basis to qualifying individuals who apply for the limited number of monthly vouchers. With a voucher, pet owners make their appointment at a participating veterinarian to receive a reduced co-pay on spay/neuter surgery for their pet.

The grant has allowed the AWS/Cleo Fund to reach Lincoln County residents specifically to provide vouchers for dogs and cats in need of spay or neuter surgery. With the grant, co-pays are reduced to only $30 for cats and $55 for dogs. In addition to the surgery, pets will receive a complimentary wellness exam, flea/tick preventative and vaccinations for rabies and distemper.

“We are so grateful for this generous grant,” explains Abigail Smith, AWS executive director. “Because the Elizabeth Ann Leach Charitable Trust supports Lincoln County residents specifically, we appreciate this opportunity to align our missions and support the pets of Lincoln County. This grant will allow us to help many people with the resources needed to fix their companion animals, making their pets happier and healthier and reduce the burden of unwanted litters of dogs and cats.”

To apply, Lincoln County residents should visit animalwelfaresociety.org/cleofund/voucher/