FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer has announced that low-income Kentuckians again may apply for vouchers to help offset the cost of having their pets spayed or neutered. The Kentucky Animal Control Advisory Board voted recently to spend $100,000 on the program. “The voucher program is very popular, and I thank the board for providing more funding,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “I also want to express my appreciation to participating veterinarians. They’re helping the state deal with a real public safety issue and reduce the number of unwanted animals in the state. They’re also helping pet owners who want to do the right thing.” Previous rounds of funding for vouchers were exhausted in a few weeks.

Pet owners with annual household incomes of $30,000 or less may get a voucher application from the Department’s Web site, www.kyagr.com; from participating veterinarians, or by calling the Department toll-free at 1-888-297-9093. Applicants must return the completed application with proof of low income to the KDA. The participant will be responsible for a $20 co-pay per procedure, to be paid to the veterinarian. Vouchers must be redeemed no later than 60 days after the date they are issued.Each approved household will be eligible for up to two vouchers. Pets to be spayed or neutered must be 6 months old or older.

The voucher program is funded primarily with proceeds from the sale of spay and neuter license plates. The plates are available for an initial fee of $25 and an annual renewal fee of $20. Vehicle owners can get the spay and neuter license plate by applying at their county clerk’s office.