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Illinois
(For other states, click here)
For cats in Illinois, listed below are low cost or free spay and neuter programs, plus local information sources who may be able to tell you about other programs. Some programs serve only low income people, but most are open to all, regardless of income. Some work only with pet cats, or only feral (untame) cats, but other programs work with both pets and ferals. We believe the listings here are correct at this writing, but call the programs to be sure.
If you know about other low cost or free spay/neuter programs or if you have updates to our listings, please tell us.
If you don't find a relevant listing for your area, don't give up. First, call Spay/USA and Friends of Animals (see Nationwide), who have programs for discount spay/neuter services in many towns across the country. Also, call local humane societies, SPCAs, animal welfare groups, and cat rescue groups in your area. And call those in nearby towns and bordering counties because these groups often know about spay/neuter services in neighboring areas. If you have rescued a cat or you take care of ferals, ask local vet clinics whether they offer some kind of good-Samaritan discount.
Prices can vary widely even in the same city. Also, when discussing prices, be sure to ask whether there are any other charges or fees in addition to the price of the spay/neuter. For example, sometimes a clinic will require that a cat receive a rabies vaccination if he has not already had one. (Rabies vaccinations are required by law in many areas of the U.S.)
About vaccinations. Based on recent research about vaccine safety, effectiveness, and duration of effect, most veterinarians are not giving as many vaccinations as in the past. (Rabies vaccinations, however, are required by law in many localities). For the latest recommendations about what vaccinations to give and when, see the American Association of Feline Practitioners' Feline Vaccination Guidelines and related info at the Winn Foundation's web site.
Feral cats. If you are caring for a group of feral cats outdoors, check the useful points about caring for ferals, at the Alley Cat Allies web site and also read the article "The Truth About Cats & FIV" by Richard Allen, DVM. Alley Cat Allies is the national organization teaching local governments, organizations, animal control agencies, and the public about feral cats and about reducing feral cat populations through trap/neuter/release (TNR). Cats are released back to their original home site (as long as it's safe), with daily food and water and caretaker supervision. If you're trying to help feral cats in your area, ACA has a nationwide network of volunteers who provide advice about caretaking, TNR, local feral spay/neuter services, etc. Click here to visit ACA's web site.
Also, the Feral Cat Coalition of San Diego has worked wonders in reducing feral cat populations in their city through humane methods, and they have lots of information about ferals from their experiences.
Kitten care. Spay or neuter at an early age can have benefits if you can find a vet with experience. Check the Alley Cat Allies' web site under 'Health' for useful information about early-age spay/neuter. For veterinarians and others involved with spay/neuter programs, the American Humane Association (Englewood, CO 800-227-4645) has a 30-page brochure and accompanying video for $14 about early-age spay/neuter, titled "The Case for Early Neutering" by veterinarians Alicia Faggella, Patricia Olson, and Mark Bloomberg.
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