At animal shelters across the country, more than 900,000 animals are euthanized each year because there are no responsible homes for them. In six years, an unspayed female cat, her mate, and their surviving offspring can produce over 60,000 kittens. The number of puppies produced from an unsprayed female dog, her mate, and their surviving offspring is almost as large.

Spaying and neutering has been proven to be the most effective and humane way to stop pet overpopulation as well as the senseless deaths of so many adoptable animals.

Berkshire Humane Society has a long term commitment to being part of the solution. To that end, we offer a variety of low-cost spay and neuter options for cat and dog owners who are in financial need and who live in Berkshire County and neighboring regions.

Cat SNIP

Indoor cat owners can participate in the Cat Spay/Neuter Initiative, or Cat SNIP. To sign up for Cat SNIP, stop by the main shelter in Pittsfield to complete a registration form. The cost is $150 for either spaying or neutering and includes a rabies vaccination. Payment is due at the time of registration.

Once registered, you’ll be given an appointment at a local participating veterinarian. On the morning of the appointment, you’ll drop off your cat at Berkshire Humane Society and staff will transport him/her to the surgery. You’ll be required to pick up your cat after the surgery.

Please remember to plan ahead! There is often a two month or more wait for a spay or neuter appointment.

Grants

Throughout the year, we apply for grants to provide low-cost spaying and neutering events for both cats and dogs. These are intended for pet owners with limited financial means. An example is the “100 Cats for the Holidays” campaign that is funded by the Massachusetts Animal Coalition’s License Plate program.

For information about these grant-funded opportunities, please check the our website and Facebook page.

Feral Cats

Based at Berkshire Humane Society, our Community Cat Program is dedicated to promoting the humane care and acceptance of feral/community cats throughout Berkshire County and beyond. Spaying and neutering is the most successful way to improve their quality of life and control their population.

If you are caring for feral/community cats and would like help spaying or neutering them, please contact our Community Cat Program at 413 -997-CATS (2287) or 413-528-1328.