Spay/Neuter Your Pet

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The City of Costa Mesa has created a program for Costa Mesa residents needing financial assistance with spaying and neutering their dogs and cats. Funds for the program are provided by fines from owners whose unaltered pets are impounded while running loose. Our goal is to decrease the number of unwanted cats and dogs in the city.

Why Spay and Neuter Your Pet?

Too many pets, not enough homes! Each year, around 10 million pets are relinquished to animal services. Only 25-30% of these animals are reclaimed by their owners or adopted into new homes. The rest, about 4-6 million animals, are euthanized because no one wants them. As a pet owner, you have a responsibility to help end this problem. Altered pets are generally healthier because the drive to search for a mate is decreased. Altered pets are less likely to leave the home and become injured in fights or car accidents. Altered pets generally live longer than unaltered pets, due to decreased risk of mammary, uterine, prostate, and testicular cancers.

Another benefit of spaying and neutering your pet is lower dog license fees.

Applicant Eligibility

To be eligible, an applicant must be over 18 years old and reside in Costa Mesa with an annual income less than $35,000. The applicant must show proof of residency by providing a copy of current license or ID card, or current utility bill, and proof of income below $35,000/year OR provide proof of current assistance from the following programs:

Food Stamp program
Medi-Cal, Medi-Care, or Medi-Cade programs
Women, Infants and Children Programs (WIC)
Supplementary Security Income Program (SSI)
Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI)
Other government-subsidized financial assistance programs

Please do not send original documents that need to be returned. Photocopies must be legible.

Program Guide:

Program is subject to funding. If no funding is available, no vouchers can be issued. Vouchers are issued on a first come, first served basis, and we cannot issue rainchecks.
This program is not intended for feral cats (untamed, stray, alley cats). Ultimately, increasing the number of altered and owned cats will help prevent unwanted kittens, which are vulnerable to abandonment and becoming feral.
Dogs and cats (except ferals) between four months and five years are eligible for this program.
There is a limit of two vouchers per household per year. Vouchers are void after 60 days. Lose, stolen, or expired vouchers will not be replaced. Vouchers are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
All dogs at the residence must be in compliance with Costa Mesa Dog Licensing Laws.
Pregnant cats can usually be spayed. The veterinarian will determine if it is safe for the animal's health.
The voucher must be presented to the receptionist at the time your pet is checked in for surgery and is only valid for the pet and owner listed on it.
Dogs must be currently vaccinated for Distemper/Parvo/Corona (DHPPC), Bordetella (Kennel Couch), and rabies. Cats must be current on Distemper (FELV), and rabies.
If you cannot submit proof of vaccinations to the hospital staff at the time your pet is brought in for surgery, they will be administered and you will be responsible for that cost.

If you are interested in applying for a voucher, you may download an application here (haga clic acui para espanol). Processing time for applications is approximately 2-4 weeks.

Applications can be faxed to (714) 754-4861 or mailed to:

Costa Mesa Animal Control

Spay/Neuter Program

PO Box 1200

Costa Mesa, CA 92628

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