The funding is not available this year for the Lycoming County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to provide spay/neuter vouchers for low- to moderate-income eligible pet owners.

What historically has been available from funding is not this year, according to a SPCA employee the Sun-Gazette reached at the animal shelter at 2805 Reach Road.

“We are deeply saddened as we know how needed and appreciated this program is by our community,” a post on SPCA’s Facebook site said. “Of course, we are committed to seeking funding from this government grant for 2026 in hopes to continue the program,” the SPCA confirmed.

There has been $28,000 put into the program coming from the mayor’s office. For many years, the city allocation to the spay/neuter program was $5,000. Mayor Derek Slaughter said Friday that this was the first he had heard about the cancellation of the program for this year and would need to address this with council because of the budget.

The Lycoming County SPCA, meanwhile, clarified it does not provide shots or spay/neuter services as it does not have a full-time veterinarian on staff. Instead, pet owners are asked to contact their veterinarian for this surgery. The vouchers also are not an option for out-of-county residents due to grant restrictions. For those in Snyder, Northumberland, or Union county residents, consider contacting SUN P.E.T.S. at https://sunpets.org/ for assistance

The spay/neuter program has been financially helpful for those who cannot afford the pet surgery and helped to reduce the stray animal population through identification for return to owners.

Spaying and neutering of cats and dogs owned by low-to-moderate income residents of the city helps to address the pet overpopulation problem.

The program is designed to offer a reduced rate for spaying/neutering as an incentive for low-income pet owners who otherwise might not be able to afford the operation.