Frequently Asked Questions
+ How soon can a kitten or puppy become pregnant?
Kittens may become pregnant as early as four months of age, and puppies as early as six months.
+ How soon can a kitten or puppy be fixed?
The general rule of thumb is fix by four months, but Spay Baton Rouge will often accept healthy patients as young as two months old, as long as they weigh at least two pounds.
+ How much will it cost?
We suggest $40 per cat and $100 per dog, but if those prices still sound a bit too high, please apply anyway! Our co-pay is on a sliding scale, depending on the client's income and need.
+ Can I go to any vet clinic?
Only a few specific vet clinics in the Baton Rouge area work with us to provide spay and neuter services at a greatly reduced price, but don't worry. They're all fantastic!
+ Will this voucher cover any other special services?
Our program only covers spaying and neutering, but we recommend these other clinics that provide other services at lower-than-average prices:
+ What if I live in EBRP but don't qualify for Spay Baton Rouge’s services?
We definitely want to make sure your pet gets spayed or neutered. If you don’t qualify for our services, we recommend one of the following local low-cost clinics or programs. Please contact them directly for pricing.
CAAWS “$25 Off” Coupon Program for Cats and Dogs
Available to anyone (First come, first served)
For more info or to obtain a coupon: form.jotformpro.com
CAAWS Low-Income Spay/Neuter Assistance Program Available to low-income EBRP residents and surrounding areas only (First come, first served; requires proof of income) For more info or to apply for this program: form.jotformpro.com
+ Can I apply if I live outside of East Baton Rouge Parish?
Spay Baton Rouge serves clients in East Baton Rouge Parish. If you live outside the area but can travel to Baton Rouge, we recommend one of the following local low-cost clinics or programs. Please contact them directly for pricing and any specific requirements they might have for getting your pet fixed.
CAAWS “$25 Off” Coupon Program for Cats and Dogs
Available to anyone (First come, first served)
For more info or to obtain a coupon: form.jotformpro.com
CAAWS Low-Income Spay/Neuter Assistance Program Available to low-income EBRP residents and surrounding areas only (First come, first served; requires proof of income) For more info or to apply for this program: form.jotformpro.com
You can also use the Spay USA tool to find a low-cost spay and neuter program in your area: www.spayusa.org
+ Who qualifies?
If you are on a fixed income and own a cat or dog, or care for a stray or feral cat or dog, please contact us to see if you qualify for a low-cost or free spay or neuter surgery for the animal in your care!
+ Can I apply by phone?
We highly recommend you use our online application form. Response time is typically 48 hours or less.
If you do not have internet access please call (225) 775-0101 and leave a message, including your name, phone number, parish, ZIP code, number of people in your household, household income, and whether the animal is your pet or if they are stray or feral. It will take about seven days for one of our volunteers to return your call.
+ What’s the difference between stray and feral cats?
Stray cats have lived with humans and display social behavior, but typically have become lost or abandoned. Feral cats can’t be handled and do not demonstrate social behavior toward people due to limited or no human contact. Both stray and feral cats spend 100% of their time outdoors. Both are also commonly referred to as free-roaming cats.
+ What is a cat colony?
A cat colony is a group of related cats.
+ What is “ear-notching”?
Ear notching, also commonly known as ear-tipping, involves cutting off the tip of or making a V-shaped notch in the left ear. It is safely done by a veterinarian during the spay or neuter surgery while the animal is under anesthesia. Ear-notching is the most effective way to identify feral and stray cats that have been altered. Because you can see it at a distance, it reduces the likelihood that the cat will go through the stress of being re-trapped unnecessarily.
+ Is there a charge for ear-notching?
No. Ear-notching is included as a free service for stray and feral cats.
+ How do I get a trap for TNR and how do I use it?
Currently Spay Baton Rouge is focusing primarily on helping owned pets of low-income households and is not lending out traps for TNR.
+ Does Spay Baton Rouge rehome or relocate cats or kittens?
No.
+ What if a stray or feral cat has kittens?
A nursing mother should ideally stay with her kittens until they are weaned (usually 6-12 weeks). However, during “kitten season,” a mother cat can go into heat and become pregnant within two weeks of giving birth. If the mother cannot be contained while she weans her babies, it may be determined to be best to alter the mom and re-release her to her kittens once they are big enough to survive a night alone. And once the babies are old enough (two months old or at least two pounds), we recommend getting them fixed as well.
