Targeted Sterilization Program

Animal overpopulation remains a constant challenge in our municipalities. The cat population, in particular, requires special attention due to their rapid reproduction rate and the high number of unwanted litters in our communities. Sterilization is therefore a key preventative measure and central to Proanima’s mission.

The targeted sterilization clinic is designed for low-income households who want to have their cats spayed or neutered. This program aims to curb pet overpopulation while supporting families in their commitment to the well-being of their feline companions.

Sterilization is a veterinary procedure that offers numerous benefits for the health and behavior of animals, while also contributing to the reduction of overpopulation.

In females , sterilization allows for:

  • Preventing unwanted pregnancies, which put a heavy strain on the female’s body.
  • Significantly reduce the risks of mammary, uterine and ovarian cancers, as well as serious uterine infections (pyometra), which are often fatal without veterinary treatment.
  • Limit the transmission of infectious diseases such as FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and feline leukemia in cats.
  • To put an end to behaviors related to heat, such as excessive meowing and attempts to escape in female cats or bleeding in female dogs.

In males , sterilization allows for:

  • To reduce territorial and aggressive behavior in males
  • This will reduce fights and injuries requiring veterinary care. It will also limit the transmission of infectious diseases in cats, such as FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and feline leukemia, as well as urine marking and strong urine odor.
  • From a medical perspective, it reduces the risk of testicular cancer and prostate problems.
  1. Limit feline overpopulation
    Unsterilized cats can reproduce rapidly. By providing access to sterilization, the program helps curb this growth and prevent unwanted litters.
  2. Supporting low-income residents
    Sterilization represents a cost that many families cannot afford. By offering this service at a reduced rate, the program helps owners care for their pets without straining their budget.
  3. Reduce the number of abandonments and euthanasias
    By reducing unplanned births, we reduce the number of cats abandoned outdoors, euthanized or given to shelters.
  4. Promoting harmonious coexistence
    A neutered pet is often calmer, less inclined to mark its territory or exhibit disruptive behaviors. This makes life easier in an urban environment and strengthens the bond between the pet and its family.
  5. Improving animal health and well-being
    As described above, there are multiple benefits to sterilization, and it promotes the good health of pets while minimizing the veterinary care required.

All cats receive this care:

  • Pre-anesthetic health examination
  • Sterilization under general anesthesia
  • Basic vaccination
  • An antiparasitic treatment (wormer)
  • Post-operative pain relievers (analgesia)

All these treatments are provided by our veterinarians directly at Proanima.

Orange and white cat outside and calm

Who can benefit from the targeted sterilization clinic?

The sterilization clinic is currently focusing on spaying and neutering cats, as the cat overpopulation is a concern in Quebec. If you are eligible for the program but wish to have a dog spayed or neutered, we encourage you to contact us, but these cases are only accepted occasionally.

To be eligible for the program, you must:

  • to be considered as having a low income
  • reside in one of our partner municipalities
  • possess a license (tag) for your pet – Except for residents of Boucherville and Montreal, for whom this requirement does not apply.

The cost of sterilization at the targeted sterilization clinic is $115 plus tax for a cat and $324 plus tax for a dog.

These fees are payable on the day of the procedure, in cash, by credit card or by debit card. Checks are not accepted.

You can also choose to have your cat vaccinated against rabies for $10 + tax and have it microchipped for $18 + tax.

Sterilization for residents who are not eligible

Proanima focuses the efforts of its sterilization clinic on helping residents in vulnerable situations to have their cats sterilized.

If you are a low-income resident but own a dog, we still encourage you to contact us . Given the significant need for cat sterilization, we are less likely to have the capacity to sterilize dogs within our program. However, we recognize that dog sterilization is an important issue.

If you are not a low-income resident, we encourage you to contact a clinic near you to have your pet sterilized.

To find a veterinarian, you can consult the OMVQ website .

black cat next to a computer