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Neuter Now program runs out of money

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM

Dogs attempting to attack a photographer at Crane Park in Kaimuki on Aug. 31.

The city’s Neuter Now Program will stop selling certificates in December now that the program has run out of money, Honolulu officials said.

The popular program, which is run at a cost of $500,000 annually, exhausted its funds after the city diverted a portion of it to help address a problem with free-roaming cats, officials said.

Certificates that have already been purchased, however, are valid for 90 days from the date of purchase.

Neuter Now, launched in 1983, is a program offering reduced rates to sterilize pets at participating vet clinics. Neuter Now fees are $150 for a female dog, $125 for a male dog, $50 for a female cat and $40 for a male cat. EBT/Kokua cardholders, Medicaid cardholders and low-income households receiving housing assistance may purchase certificates for a reduced rate of $20.

Certificates are typically available for purchase at the city’s satellite city halls and at the Hawaiian Humane Society, which administers the program for the city and offers them online as well.

Sales of Neuter Now certificates will resume on Jan. 1, when funding is restored for the program, city officials said.

Meanwhile, Oahu residents may consider the services of the Hawaiian Humane Society’s Community Spay/Neuter Center, which recently began taking appointments for sterilization services at a reduced fee. The center, at 2700 Waialae Ave., is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Visit hawaiianhumane.org or call 356-2255 to schedule an appointment.

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