The PALS (Prevent Another Litter Subsidy) program is offered by the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) to reduce our community’s homeless pet population by assisting people who do not have the financial ability to spay or neuter their animals. Citizens of Edmonton and surrounding communities with low income can apply to have their dog(s) and/or cat(s) spayed/neutered through PALS, and pay only the administration fee.

Help Prevent Another Litter

Each year we assisting thousands of animals and pet guardians in reducing homeless animals and unwanted litters.

This program is accessible for low-income people living in Edmonton and surrounding communities who have a cat or dog between the ages of 4 months to 6 years, that are healthy and that need to be spayed/neutered. A limited number of appointments are available each month, once full, bookings close until the second Monday of next month, when they will reopen. If appointments are full, please bookmark this page and check back the next month.

To access this program please see the steps below and click on the Frequently Asked Questions links for more information.

STEP 1: Obtain Your Proof of Low-Income

  • Proof of income is required based on the Canadian Low Income thresholds available here, and must show your full name.
    • This includes any government-issued paperwork stating your yearly household income, such as:
      • AISH card
      • Tax Notice of Assessment
      • Social Assistance Statements

We cannot accept paystubs or bank statements

STEP 2: Confirm Your Payment

  • Payment is required when you apply and does not guarantee your appointment
  • Payment is processed through Pay-pal online
  • Fees are:
    • $25 for each Cat
    • $50 for each Dog
  • You will receive a full refund if your application is not approved

STEP 3: Submit Your Application

Once you have have your proof of income and are ready to process payment, fill out the applications form available on this page

Before you apply, please be aware that…

  • The application process can take up to 14 days 
  • If approved, appointments are typically booked 4 to 6 months in advance so there may be a considerable wait time between your approval and your appointment.
  • If your pet is in heat:
    • You must advise us during your application. For the safety of the animal we may need to adjust your booking time.
  • If your pet is 6 years or older:
    • Applications are approved on a case-by-case basis and animals over 7 years of age cannot be accepted for this program.

STEP 4: Await Confirmation

Completed applications are reviewed within 14 days. If approved, we will contact you to book an appointment. If not approved, you will receive a notice your application was not successful and a full refund of your payment.

PLEASE NOTE: If you don’t get a confirmation email within 24 hours, your application did not complete and you will need to reapply. This most often happens because of missing or incomplete payment.

Applications for the 2023 PALS program are now available

The application portal opens on the second Monday of each month to fill available appointment. Once full the application portal will be closed and reopened again the following month for you to apply. Please bookmark this page and check back on the second Monday of the month if appointments are full.

Note: Applying for an appointment does not guarantee your booking. Please mark EHS as a trusted sender and watch your email for more information to come regarding your application.

Apply for this months available PALS appointments

Frequently Asked Questions (click to expand each answer)

We charge an administration fee of $25 per cat and $50 per dog – there are no other fees associated.

Yes, it is mandatory that each pet that goes through the PALS Program is microchipped. The only time we do not administer a microchip is if the pet already has one.

No, it does not cost extra.

No, we only have the medical license to spay/neuter cats and dogs for the public through our subsidized program (PALS).

No, we are only able to spay/neuter cats and dogs through our PALS Program currently.

Yes, each cat or dog that goes through the PALS Program is eligible to receive a rabies vaccine and a combination vaccine (if needed). For more information on what vaccines are offered, click here.

No, it does not cost extra.

No, we only have a medical license to administer vaccines at the time of surgery.

No, we are able supply cones for each cat/dog that goes through the PALS Program.

We ask that once the cone is no longer required, to please return it — if possible.

Why spay and neuter your pets? 

  • Prevent unwanted litters and reduce pet overpopulation
  • Reduces unwanted behaviours such as roaming, spraying, mounting, persistent barking or meowing
  • Decreases the likelihood of fight-related injuries
  • May increase life span of pet
  • Reduces risks of medical problems, such as certain types of cancer

Each year, unplanned and unwanted litters create millions of homeless pets. Spaying and neutering is one of the steps we can take to get at the root of pet overpopulation, preventing unwanted litters and reducing the number of homeless pets.

Did you know? 

Cats can give birth to three litters a year, with litters ranging in size from 6-12 kittens. Dogs can give birth to two or three litters a year, with litters ranging in size from 5-15 puppies depending on the size of the dog. Over five years, the impact of spaying or neutering just one cat or dog could prevent approximately 248,832 unplanned puppies or kittens in the Edmonton area [1].

Funding from PetSmart Charities of Canada and the City of Edmonton help to make this program possible!

  

Questions? Email us at [email protected]