Pet overpopulation is the number one factor causing thousands of pit bulls to be euthanized in shelters every year. With pit bulls making up to 65% of the shelter pet population in the US there is no reason to leave your beloved pet unaltered and at risk of producing even more puppies that will suffer this terrible fate.

Having your dog spayed or neutered is the best way to make a positive impact on these numbers. In addition, there are many health and behavior benefits to spay and neuter that will directly benefit you, your dog and the community you live in:

• Reduced aggression
• Lower risk of cancer
• Reduce roaming
• Increase life span

Since 2015 we’ve partnered with veterinary professionals to offer free* spay/neuter clinics for pit bulls and pit mixes. Each year we’ve spayed and neutered almost 100 dogs which not only makes these dogs and our communities healthier, it also helps establish a network of responsible pit bull owners who are helping fight discrimination against the breed.

Clinics include free distemper and rabies vaccinations, as well as microchips and chip registration.

Our clinics are funded by generous donations from supporters in the community.

2019 Clinic Dates

Saturday, October 12 - REGISTER

Saturday, December 14
Registration will open in November

Our Fix Your Pit clinics take place at the Animal Humane Society Veterinary Centers who offer high-quality, low-cost services to pet owners with limited incomes and active or retired military personnel. To register for one of our clinics, you must meet  AHS eligibility requirements and agree to follow pre- and post-opp instructions.
*Eligibility Requirements

Income-qualified pet owners

To quality for services, participants must be enrolled in one of the government assistance programs listed below or fall within the household size and income parameters. Proof of gross income is requested prior to receiving services.

Government assistance programs

  • Energy Assistance
  • General Assistance
  • Medicaid
  • Medical Assistance
  • MinnesotaCare
  • Minnesota Family Investment Program
  • Section 8 Housing
  • Social Security Disability Income
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
  • Women Infants and Children (WIC)

Household size and gross income qualifications

Household size Income per month Income per year
1 $2,529 $30,350
2 $3,429 $41,150
3 $4,329 $51,950
4 $5,229 $62,750
5 $6,129 $73,550
6 $7,029 $84,350
7 $7,929 $95,150
8 $8,829 $105,950
Add for additional household members $900 $10,800

Documents to bring to your appointment

Proof of Gross Income is required prior to receiving services. The following documents are accepted.

  • Recent tax return
  • W2 form
  • Two current pay stubs

If you have any questions about income qualifications, please contact the Animal Humane Society at 763-489-SPAY.

Active or retired military personnel

Military personnel can utilize services without meeting income or government assistance requirements. Military ID is required as proof of qualification.

What to Expect

Before your pet’s visit

Please bring the following items to your visit:

  • Dogs must be leashed. If you don’t have a leash, we can provide one for you.
  • The best phone numbers to reach you at should an emergency arise.
  • Proof of qualification for our program.
  • Photo ID with matching proof of qualification.

Please note: If you do not bring adequate proof of qualification, we will not be able to perform surgery on your pet. Children under 18 cannot qualify for or authorize surgical procedures on pet patients.

Other things to consider

  • Do not feed your dog the morning of surgery unless he or she is less than five months old. Pets five months and under should get a small amount of food – about a third of their normal morning meal – prior to check-in.
  • Your dog can have water up until the time of surgery.
  • Please walk dogs prior to check-in so they can eliminate prior to being kenneled.

When you arrive for your pet’s visit, AHS will:

  • Ask for photo ID and proof of your qualification for our program.
  • Go over the anesthesia release form and client questionnaire, ask if your pet has any health concerns or allergies, and answer any other questions you may have.
  • Weigh and examine your pet to identify any obvious health concerns that may require postponement or cancellation of surgery (dehydration, upper respiratory infection, heart disease, term pregnancy) and check for hernias, undescended testicles, signs of previous surgery, or pregnancy. If any such concerns arise, our veterinarians will perform a more comprehensive exam on your pet and will provide you with recommendations.
  • Answer any additional questions you may have
  • Provide an estimated time to pick up your pet.
After Surgery

We will provide detailed care instructions when you pick up your pet following surgery. Here are some general guidelines:

  • No strenuous activity for 10 to 14 days. Keep your dog quiet as quiet as possible during the first two weeks. Avoid running, jumping, playing, swimming. Strenuous activity increases your dog’s risk of developing swelling around the incision site that could result in premature dissolving of sutures, opening of the incision, and costly medical care that would be your responsibility.
  • Keep dogs indoors where they can stay clean and dry. Do not bathe your dog during the recovery period. Walk dogs on a leash.
  • Male dog can still impregnate an unsterilized female up to one month after surgery. Please keep a close eye on your dog.
  • Check the incision site two times a day and don’t allow your dog to lick or chew at it. Allowing your dog to lick or chew at the incision can cause infection, premature dissolving of sutures, opening of incisions and a whole host of problems. Redness and swelling around the incision should be minimal. If your dog is licking the incision, get an Elizabethan collar (cone) as soon from your veterinarian or local pet supply store to prevent costly medications or repairs to the surgical site.
  • Your dog’s appetite should gradually return within 24 hours of surgery. If your dog experiences sluggishness for more than 24 hours following the surgery, diarrhea, or vomiting, please contact us. Dogs may have a slight cough for a few days after surgery.
  • Do not change your dog’s diet or give scraps. Do not give junk food, milk or any other human food during the recovery period. These foods can mask post-surgical complications.
  • We recommend your dog receive a post-operative examination with your regular veterinarian 10-14 days after surgery. Your regular vet can check the incision for complete healing, remove any skin sutures, and discuss additional needs, follow-up care and vaccination boosters.
  • Your dog received a green tattoo next to their incision. This tattoo is not an extra incision.

Additional important information

  • We will treat post-operation complications resulting directly from the surgery, provided the instructions above are followed in full. If your pet receives treatment at another clinic, we cannot be responsible for the resulting charges.
  • Animal Humane Society is not responsible for complications resulting from failure to follow post-op instructions, or for contagious diseases for which the animal was not previously properly vaccinated.
  • Your regular veterinarian must address illnesses or injuries that are not a direct result of surgery. See this list of veterinarians and clinics offering affordable services.
  • Our veterinarians recommend that you establish a wellness program for your pet with a regular, full-service veterinarian.
    If there are any questions or concerns directly related to the surgery during the recovery period, please call AHS at 763-489-7729.

Emergency contact information

Call the Animal Humane Society at 763-489-7729 before 5 p.m.
If no attempt is made to reach us, we cannot be responsible for the resulting charges to treat your pet at another facility.

Spay/neuter surgeries will be performed by veterinary staff at the Animal Humane Society.  Drop off is at 7:30am.

Location
845 Meadow Lane N.,
Golden Valley, MN 55422

If you have questions about eligibility requirements or post-op emergencies, please call the AHS at 763-489-2201.

Do not call the AHS to register for a Fix Your Pit Clinic. Register here at the link above or send us a message if you need help.

In 2015 we launched the Fix Your Pit program to provide free services to help responsible dog owners spay or neuter their pit bulls and pit bull mixes. Spay and neuter is the best way to combat the brutal statistics on the euthanasia rates of pit bulls in America, click here  to learn more.