Cornwall residents can soon apply to have their cats’ spay/neuter surgery subsidized. Surgeries are free for eligible residents. Applications will be accepted starting on March 28, 2022, with the program running from May 25-27, 2022.

The program aims at assisting residents in fixing their cats and help control the city’s cat population. The program will support low-income households in fixing pets over six months of age or under eight years of age.

To prepare for the application process, you will need to gather the following documents. Applications without complete documents cannot be accepted:

• Identification (like driver’s license, OHIP, passport, status card)
• 2020 Revenue Canada Notice of Assessment (for a copy of this document, call Revenue Canada at 1-800-959-8281) and/or a 2021 Income Tax Summary/Notice of Assessment
• Bill (such as telephone, cable, electricity, natural gas, property tax, water/sewer bill, or lease agreement)

Residents of Cornwall can apply for up to five cats to be fixed during clinics in May.

The process:

1. Residents apply using the form below,
2. Social and Housing Services staff review the application and confirm eligibility,
3. If approved, residents’ information is supplied to the OSPCA (Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals),
4. Finally, the OSPCA will contact the resident to assess the cat’s eligibility for surgery, and then book an appointment.

The program is first-come, first-served. Applications with all supporting documents will be processed. Residents with any questions can contact the Housing Programs at 613-933-6282 ext. 3315.

Application forms are available:

• In English – printable PDF
• In English – online
• In French – printable PDF
• In French – online
• At Housing Programs, 340 Pitt Street, 3rd Floor

The Subsidized Spay Neuter Program is expected to be offered five years in a row — this is the second year.

To read the City of Cornwall’s Animal Control By-law, please click here.